Prostitution
Scottsdale Prostitution Defense Lawyer
Former Police Officer
Former DUI Prosecutor
Twenty Years Criminal Defense
Call (480) 833-8613
Have You Been Arrested for Prostitution?
The state of Arizona is extremely tough on prostitution related offenses and has some of harshest laws in the nation.
Arizona prohibits a person from enticing or luring another individual into a house for the purposes of prostitution, receiving the earnings of a prostitute, engaging in child prostitution or soliciting a prostitute. Individuals charged with prostitution related offenses may be prosecuted for a felony and can face mandatory jail or prison time. Additionally, you can be required to register as a sex offender.
What is Prostitution in Arizona?
In Arizona, it is illegal for someone to engage in sexual conduct, agree to engage in sexual conduct or offer to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for money or something else of value. Consequently, a person can be charged with prostitution by either being the customer of, or working as a prostitute. Moreover, an actual sex act in exchange for money is not required under Arizona law. Rather, merely offering or agreeing to engage in a sex act for money is considered prostitution and can lead to an arrest and prosecution. Aside from the state criminal code in Arizona, many cities such as Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa have enacted ordinances which also prohibit prostitution related activities.
Other Offenses Related to Prostitution Include:
- Maintaining an establishment where prostitution related activity is occurring
- Receiving the earnings of a prostitute
- Recruiting people to work as prostitutes
These are all felony offenses and can result in very lengthy prison terms, lifetime probation, registration as a sex offender and huge fines and fees.
Penalties for Prostitution
Usually, prostitution is prosecuted as a misdemeanor offense. However, if a person already has multiple prostitution convictions on their record, any subsequent prostitution arrests can be classified as a felony.
If Prosecuted as a Misdemeanor, you must:
1. Serve a minimum of 15 days jail upon conviction for a first offense
2. Serve a minimum of 30 days jail upon conviction for a second prostitution offense
3. Serve a minimum of 60 days jail and complete a court ordered treatment program upon conviction for a third prostitution offense
If Prosecuted as a Felony - A person must be sentenced to at least 180 days jail and can also be ordered to serve time in prison
Defenses to a Prostitution Charge:
Simply because you have been arrested for prostitution does not mean that you will be convicted and suffer the harsh penalties which are mandatory under Arizona law. The prosecution must prove each of the elements of prostitution beyond a reasonable doubt.
Some Defenses to a Prostitution Charge Include:
- That you were the victim of sex trafficking
- There was no meeting of the minds or actual intent to engage in an act of prostitution
- Police failed to properly advise you of your Miranda Rights
- Police detained you without reasonable suspicion or arrested you without probable cause
Prostitution Defense Attorney in Phoenix, AZ
Attorney Raymond Kimble has unique experience in that he is a former police detective and felony prosecutor who has defended people charged with Prostitution for over twenty years. Ray Kimble has a complete understanding of both sides of the law and will provide an aggressive and hard-hitting defense.
With a seasoned Tempe criminal defense lawyer on your case, you will have your rights protected as your attorney fights to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. Attorney Raymond Kimble has successfully represented numerous individuals throughout Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler and Mesa over the last twenty years who have been charged with Prostitution.
Call (480) 833-8613 for a Free Initial Consultation
