Prostitution is a crime punishable by fines and jail time. Soliciting sexual acts or offering to pay for them, as well as running a business where prostitution could be occurring, can get you into trouble with the law.
If you have been suspected or accused of this crime, a Rochester prostitution lawyer can help you defend yourself. With decades of combined criminal defense experience, the dedicated criminal defense attorneys at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. can craft a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.
Several different activities might be considered prostitution under state law, depending on the circumstances. For example, adults offering sexual acts (“prostitutes”) or individuals offering to pay for such acts (“patrons”) can be charged with prostitution.
These crimes can be punished as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors, with penalties including monetary fines and jail sentences. According to Minnesota Statutes §609.03, if an offer or solicitation takes place in private, it is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If in a public place, under Minnesota Statutes §609.324, the charged crime becomes a gross misdemeanor with higher possible penalties, up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
More serious crimes can turn misdemeanor charges into felonies if minors are involved. Penalties can also become even harsher, with more significant fines and prison sentences ranging between five years and 20 years based on the age of the minor person.
Avoiding a conviction for prostitution in Rochester can require the assistance of an experienced defense attorney. They can push back against charges and make a plea offer to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor. Working with a lawyer can allow a person to understand and evaluate their options for their defense.
During each step of a police investigation and prosecution, an attorney can offer invaluable guidance. Whether monitoring police actions, such as searches and seizures of evidence, or showing that a defendant should not be convicted in court, a defense lawyer can advocate on your behalf and reduce the chances of incarceration and fines.
Hiring legal counsel when initially suspected of prostitution or when you are arrested and held in custody can help prevent the police from violating your Fourth Amendment rights. They can help a suspect show that there was police entrapment, which could end an investigation.
They can also review your case to understand what crime is being charged and the surrounding circumstances. A lawyer can advocate for a reduced charge early in a case, or even get the charges dropped in exchange for cooperation.
By acting quickly, legal representation can prevent more severe charges and penalties and help you start building a defense that is tailored to your specific situation. A Rochester attorney may also conduct an investigation to determine if there is evidence that proves the crime of prostitution did not actually occur or that the defendant cannot be convicted beyond a reasonable doubt.
Facing prostitution charges can cost you money and your freedom. Rather than letting you fend for yourself against the power and resources of the state, a Rochester prostitution lawyer can help you mount a defense as soon as possible.
To fight back against a criminal charge, you can rely on the representation of the attorneys at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. We are dedicated to providing excellent legal services to individuals facing criminal charges. That is why we offer payment plans for our criminal cases. Get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment.
