In terms of the potential impact on an individual’s reputation and good name, crimes related to prostitution are among the most damaging. This type of harm can come on top of the possible incarceration and costly fines that offenses of this nature also routinely yield. The bottom line is that being found guilty of any prostitution-related crime is something that can have profound consequences and unintended ripple effects for years after the fact.
Therefore, anyone who has been charged with engaging in sexual contact in exchange for money is well-advised to secure the assistance of a Birmingham prostitution lawyer who understands what is at stake and who will work diligently to secure a favorable outcome in every case. A defense lawyer with our firm can initiate a comprehensive investigation of the facts, marshal critical evidence and leave no stone unturned in pursuing a positive result.
Michigan Prostitution LawsPursuant to statute, Michigan has deemed it a crime to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money or to solicit another individual for that purpose. Anyone 16 years of age or older involved in accosting, inviting or soliciting another individual by a gesture, word or other means to commit acts of prostitution or commit other lewd acts can be found guilty of a criminal offense.
Additionally, anyone 16 years of age or older who offers or admits another individual into a structure, house, building or vehicle in order to engage in prostitution or commit lewd acts is also guilty of a crime and will be subject to significant penalties.
It is also important to note that arranging to engage in prostitution services or other lewd acts in exchange for money, represents a misdemeanor offense.
Those who engage for such services with someone under the age of 18, as described by Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.449b will be guilty of a criminal offense and subject to more severe sanctions.
A prostitution attorney in Birmingham understands the nuances of these laws and how they are perceived by the public, prosecutors, and judges so they can be your advocated in developing a strong defense for both the court and in your private life.
Potential Penalties for Prostitution ConvictionsCrimes involving prostitution carry substantial penalties which can pose real challenges for those who face them. For instance, those convicted of misdemeanor prostitution offenses generally are eligible to receive a sentence of up to 93 days incarceration and/or a fine of up to $500.
Individuals with prior prostitution convictions can expect even harsher punishments. Those with a single previous conviction may face imprisonment up to one year and/or a fine upwards of $1,000.
Anyone with two or more prior convictions can be found guilty of a felony and face up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine reaching $2,000.
Defendants convicted of prostitution offenses involving someone under the age of 18 may be forced to serve up to five years in prison and/or pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Again, the penalties imposed in a court of law are undoubtedly onerous, but for some, they pale in comparison to the damage to personal and professional reputations, marital and familial relationships and other essential aspects of defendants’ lives.
Defending Against Charges of ProstitutionUnfortunately, it is all too common for those accused of prostitution-related offenses to succumb to the feelings of shame and embarrassment such charges inevitably produce. However, considering how much is at stake, this is an error defendants simply cannot afford to make.
By enlisting the knowledgeable counsel of a Birmingham prostitution attorney familiar with the courts as soon as possible after the event itself, the process of formulating an effective strategy to have charges reduced or dismissed can begin.
Even in situations where those particularly beneficial outcomes appear unattainable, a skilled prostitution lawyer will strive to achieve a substantial mitigation of the penalties which might otherwise be imposed.
How a Lawyer Can HelpIf you have been accused of a prostitution-related crime in Michigan, time is of the essence in terms of securing the best possible outcome in your case. To learn more about the zealous legal advocacy a Birmingham prostitution lawyer with our firm is ready to provide, we invite you to contact our firm today.