Being charged with prosecution in Arizona can be a traumatic experience. In addition to carrying a significant social stigma, the laws regarding prostitution in Arizona are localized, meaning each city has come up with its own penalties and laws regarding prostitution. At Arizona Lawyers, we take seriously the principle that you are innocent until proven guilty, and our Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Yuma, Flagstaff, and Glenndale criminal defense attorneys will work hard to protect your legal rights and reputation.
What Is Prostitution?
In Arizona, prostitution is defined as the act of knowingly engaging, or offering to engage in, sexual acts in exchange for money or something else of value. It is a crime in almost all parts of the United States. Many people mistakenly believe that you cannot be arrested for prostitution unless you have actually performed a sexual act, but in Arizona you can be arrested once money or something of value changes hands with an understanding that a sex act will take place.
What Are the Penalties for Prostitution?
While every city in Arizona differs in terms of the penalties it imposes for prostitution, every city imposes progressive penalties, meaning that every time you are arrested for prosecution you can be charged with an increasingly more serious criminal charge. For example, the first time you are arrested for offering to engage in sex acts for money you may be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor, but the fourth time you are arrested for prostitution in some parts of Arizona you can be charged with a class 5 felony. A first time conviction for prostitution can result in a minimum of 15 consecutive days in jail, with no eligibility for probation, while four or more convictions for prostitution can mean you will be jailed for 180 consecutive days.
How Does Arizona Lawyers Defend Against Prostitution?
The experienced Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Yuma, Flagstaff, and Glenndale criminal defense attorneys at Arizona Lawyers have extensive experienced in defending our clients from criminal charges of prostitution. We treat every client with dignity and respect, no matter what crime you have been charged with, and no matter the circumstances of your case. Our attorneys will start by asking you detailed questions about the events leading up to your charge and how law enforcement handled the encounter, and will listen carefully to your responses.
We are very aware that many individuals who are charged with prostitution are unfortunately victims of sex trafficking, and that treats and coercion often go hand-in-hand with sex trafficking. We may be able to show that you are a victim of sex trafficking. We may also be able to show that you were wrongfully accused by someone with malicious intent. Furthermore, we may be able to raise reasonable doubt that an act of prostitution did, in fact, take place or was about to take place. For example, you could have been entrapped by law enforcement, or you could have been misidentified.
Charged With Prostitution?
At the Arizona Lawyers firm, we believe that just because you are charged with prostitution doesn’t mean you are guilty. Our attorneys will fight to protect your rights and freedom. If you are charged with or being investigated for prostitution in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Yuma, Flagstaff, or Glenndale, contact the Arizona Lawyers immediately.