Convictions for prostitution charges bring serious charges–even those for first offenses. Along with fines and possible jail time, those convicted often experience turmoil in their relationships and a sullied reputation. Further, having a criminal record can affect current and future job employment opportunities.
After a prostitution arrest, connect with a Scottsdale sex crimes lawyer. The team at Suzuki Law Offices will design a customized strategy for your defense, and a skilled Scottsdale prostitution defense lawyer will fight to get your charges reduced or fully dismissed.
Prostitution Laws in Arizona and Scottsdale
Throughout Arizona, “knowingly” participating in prostitution is illegal under the state’s prostitution laws. Anyone who takes part in, agrees to, or offers to engage in sexual activity with another party for financial compensation or any other sort of payback can be charged under these laws. As established in Arizona State criminal law, sexual conduct includes:
- Sexual intercourse
- Sexual contact
- Sadomasochistic abuse
Examples of Prostitution
A person can draw charges for offering sex to another party in exchange for money. The same applies if they offer to engage in sexual conduct in return for drugs, alcohol, or some other form of “pay” –even if that pay is not tangible. For example, offering to have sex with a police officer to avoid an arrest counts as prostitution. Our сriminal defense lawyers in Scottsdale will tell you in more detail about sexual crimes and all the details of your case.
Prostitution Ordinances in Scottsdale
“Soliciting” prostitution is not illegal under Arizona State law. “Soliciting” refers to the act of inviting someone to engage in sexual activity for payment–a “customer” seeks a prostitute’s services. It also includes “advertising” someone else as available for sexual conduct for a fee.
The State leaves the legal status of solicitation to city or town governments. The Scottsdale Code of Ordinances establishes specific and extensive laws governing all “sexually oriented businesses.” Those operating without permits or in violation of the laws can face significant penalties.
A Prostitution Defense Attorney in Scottsdale Can Help
If you are arrested for prostitution, the sooner you connect with a seasoned attorney, the better. A Scottsdale prostitution defense attorney from Suzuki Law Offices has the legal knowledge and experience to manage your case and work toward the most favorable outcome possible. Your lawyer will:
- Investigate your arrest: Law enforcement officers can make mistakes. If the circumstances of your situation do not warrant arrest, your attorney will look to have the charges dismissed.
- Protect your rights: If your rights were violated during your arrest or the booking process, your attorney will expose these violations. Should your case proceed to trial, your lawyer will protect your rights at all court dates.
- Act on your behalf: A prompt partnership with an attorney means you have someone advocating for your best interests right away. Your attorney will protect you from saying or doing anything that could be used against you.
- Build a strong defense: All of our defense attorneys have served as prosecutors. This means we can anticipate the other side’s moves and know how to defend against those moves.
- Navigate the legal system: As former prosecutors, our team also knows what negotiation techniques will work best to have the prosecutor reduce or dismiss your charges and penalties.
Possible Defense for Prostitution Charges in Scottsdale
Every case is unique. Your prostitution defense lawyer in Scottsdale will review your situation carefully, ultimately creating a defense to best serve your needs. That said, some arguments more commonly serve as the foundation of prostitution defense cases.
Entrapment
Law enforcement often uses “stings” or other tactics that trick potential offenders into committing crimes. When they do this, and their “trick” is the only reason you allegedly committed the crime, your lawyer may argue you are a victim of criminal entrapment. Essentially, your lawyer will argue that “coercion and overbearing” law enforcement tactics forced you into criminal behavior.
False Accusations
Unfortunately, people do terrible things in the name of revenge. People with grudges against you–jealous ex-partners or angry former friends, for example–sometimes resort to false accusations to “get even.” You can trust your attorney to search for the evidence needed to secure your innocence
Sex Trafficking
Your arrest may simply be your second (or third, etc.) victimization. Sometimes, prostitutes only engage in unlawful acts because someone else is forcing them to. If someone else is trafficking you, your attorney will work to show that you are a victim–not a criminal.
Prostitution Penalties
Those who violate Arizona’s prostitution laws face Class 1 misdemeanor charges. Even a first offense brings mandatory jail time of 15 consecutive days and a fine of up to $2,500. Those with prior convictions see the same fines but a 30-consecutive-day jail term for a second offense and 60-consecutive days for a third.
Offenders can also expect to pay fine surcharges. Sometimes, they are put on probation once released from jail. Probation periods can last for up to three years.
Fourth–or additional–offenses are Class 5 felonies. Consequences include a state prison term of up to four years. Offenders are not eligible for probation until serving at least 180 consecutive days of their sentence. They may also have to pay felony offense fines that can run as high as $150,000.
Additional Consequences
Incarceration and fines are the legal penalties for prostitution convictions, but additional penalties often follow. Future employers may require submission to background checks, and decide not to hire you if they see your conviction, and it may be harder to find a place to rent if landlords are uncomfortable with your criminal background.
Your relationships with friends and family or romantic partners are also likely to be negatively affected as convictions for prostitution carry a particular stigma.
In Arizona, a felony conviction can take away the right to serve on a jury. It can compromise voting rights and the right to own a firearm. Convictions can also interfere with acquiring professional licenses or the security clearance necessary for some government jobs.
Quality Legal Counsel
Suzuki Law Offices has a history of providing the highest quality legal counsel. Our team has comprehensive knowledge of Arizona law and we understand how prosecutors think. We know how to build powerful defenses and will fight tenaciously to deliver the most favorable outcome possible. Reach out today and contact a skilled Scottsdale prostitution defense lawyer. Protecting your rights is our priority.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form