Atlanta Prostitution Lawyer

An accusation of providing sexual services in exchange for money can harm your future prospects in numerous ways. A conviction for prostitution could result in a steep fine and potential jail time. Even if you are not ultimately found guilty, the mere allegation of this offense could have serious personal and professional consequences.

If you are facing a charge for offering or providing sexual services, you should strongly consider seeking legal guidance from a seasoned Atlanta prostitution lawyer. These allegations can lead to controversial criminal cases, and without a qualified defense attorney by your side, you could struggle to achieve a desirable outcome.

Definition of Prostitution Under State Law

According to Official Code of Georgia §16-6-9, a person over the age of 18 may be arrested for the crime of prostitution if they perform or make an offer to perform any kind of sexual act in exchange for something of value. In this context, “something of value” is often money but can also include valued goods, services, or future favors.

Prostitution as defined as a misdemeanor offense, meaning that the maximum allowable penalties upon conviction would be a $1,000 fine and 12 months in county jail. Additionally, prostituting oneself within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, place of worship, or recreation center meant primarily for children is punishable by a maximum fine of $2,500. Retaining help from an experienced local attorney could be crucial to minimizing the impact of a prostitution conviction, especially for first-time offenders.

Prostitution-Related Offenses in Atlanta

O.C.G.A. §§19-6-10, 19-6-11, and 19-6-12 define the prostitution-related crimes of keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering. Respectively, these offenses involve:

  • Condoning or facilitating acts of prostitution in a privately owned or rented building,
  • Offering to arrange meetings for the purpose of prostitution or receiving money known to have come from prostitution
  • Knowingly assembling people in or at a fixed place to engage in acts of prostitution

A first conviction for any of these offenses is considered a high and aggravated misdemeanor, which means that those convicted could be sentenced to both 12 months in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine. Subsequent convictions for pimping or pandering are usually considered felonies, for which convicted individuals may be sentenced to a prison term of between one and ten years.

In addition, any prostitution-related act that involves a person under the age of 18 is automatically a severe felony offense that, upon conviction, could be punished by up to 30 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Anyone accused of facilitating an act of prostitution involving a minor should prioritize retaining a skilled nearby lawyer with extensive experience litigating these types of cases.

Speak with an Atlanta Prostitution Attorney Today

If you are ultimately convicted on prostitution charges, social stigma may be the least of your worries. Having a criminal record of misdemeanor prostitution can have consequences that extend far beyond fines and jail time, as some crimes involving prostitution can be prosecuted as felonies.

No matter the particular details of your charges, you owe it to yourself to seek counsel from a legal professional who knows how to handle these cases. Call today to schedule a consultation with an Atlanta prostitution lawyer and start crafting a strong legal defense.