Troy Prostitution Lawyer

Michigan law prohibits both prostitution and solicitation. Solicitation, according to state law, is the act of propositioning another person to exchange payment for sexual activity. Prostitution, on the other hand, is the actual act of exchanging payment for sex.

The key difference between these two similar crimes is the actual act of sex. Prostitution requires sex to occur in order to result in a criminal charge and conviction, while solicitation only requires the intent to make the illegal exchange.

Police in Troy, Michigan are serious when it comes to cracking down on prostitution and solicitation, and these cases are frequently brought to trial by zealous prosecutors seeking to prove they are tough on crime. If you were cited for prostitution or solicitation, it is highly recommended that you retain an experienced Troy prostitution lawyer who specializes in defending others against such charges to assist in your defense. A skilled defense attorney could fight for you.

Punishments for prostitution or solicitation vary depending on the jurisdiction in which they occur. In Troy, Chapter 98 of the City Code criminalizes the act of prostitution. Section 98.03.06 specifically defines prostitution as a misdemeanor punishable by no more than 90 days in jail and/or a fine no greater than $500.

Chapter 98 also criminalizes engaging in the illegal business of prostitution in Section 98.03.09, and knowingly transporting any person to a place where prostitution is practiced in Section 98.03.10. Both these offenses carry a possible penalty of up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.

Additionally, the Michigan Penal Code has its own statutes criminalizing prostitution and solicitation. Michigan Penal Code §750.448 defines solicitation as the use of a word, gesture, or other means to accost, solicit, or invite another person in a public place or from a building or vehicle to commit prostitution or perform any other lewd or immoral act. As does the jurisdiction of Troy, the state code also prohibits transporting a person for the purposes of prostitution.

A first conviction for prostitution under Michigan state law can lead to a jail sentence of up to 93 days and/or a fine of up to $500. Second offenses increase these consequences to a maximum of one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. First and second offenses are considered misdemeanors, but a third offense is considered a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000. If someone is facing a charge of prostitution for the third time, it may be even more critical for them to retain the assistance of a Troy prostitution lawyer.

Among the most common defenses to a prostitution or solicitation charge are demonstrating that you committed the offense unknowingly, that no sexual act occurred, or that there was no exchange of payment for any sexual contact that may have occurred. Mounting a successful defense to a prostitution charge is possible, but the first step to almost every effective defense is contacting an experienced Troy prostitution lawyer.

Your attorney could investigate the events leading up to the charge, weigh the strength or weakness of available evidence, evaluate witness testimony, and ensure all possible defenses are explored. If you are facing charges for prostitution, call today to schedule a consultation and get to work protecting your future.