WHEATON PROSTITUTION ATTORNEYS

Defending the Accused in Montgomery County for 25+ Years

Being charged with prostitution is an embarrassing and frightening event. Along with potential jail time, a prostitution conviction can have life-long consequences, including a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, loss of reputation, and ostracization in your community.

Because of the serious nature of these allegations, it’s important that you seek out the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney if you have been accused of prostitution, solicitation, human trafficking, or a related offense. At Portner & Shure, P.A., our Wheaton prostitution lawyers can defend you and your rights. We have been serving Montgomery County and all of Maryland for over 30 years.

Call us at (240) 233-2801 or submit an online contact form today to request your free and confidential consultation.

Maryland Prostitution Law

There are several statutes relating to prostitution. These include:

• Act of prostitution
• Solicitation
• Human trafficking
• House of prostitution
• Receiving the earnings of a prostitution

Prostitution is defined as any sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse performed in exchange for compensation. The term “compensation” includes money or anything of value.

Prostitution is a misdemeanor under Maryland law and carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $500.00 fine.

Solicitation is an act where a person encourages, requests, advises, persuades, induces, urges, or commands another person to commit any sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse performed in exchange for compensation. Again, the term “compensation” includes money or anything of value. Solicitation is a misdemeanor under Maryland law and carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $500.00 fine.

The crime of trafficking is the most serious crime with regards to prostitution. Trafficking, previously known as “pandering,” is the taking or causing the taking of a person to any place for the purpose of prostitution. Additionally, trafficking also includes placing or causing to place a person in any place for the purpose of prostitution. Along with this, it also includes inducing, encouraging, or persuading an individual to be placed or taken to any place for the purpose of prostitution. The maximum penalty for trafficking is 10 years imprisonment and a $5,000.00 fine.

A house of prostitution is any location were people commit sexual acts for money. Operating a house of prostitution can include allowing a person to enter a building for the purpose of prostitution or operating a home or business for prostitution. The maximum penalty for house of prostitution is one year in jail and a $500.00 fine.

The crime of receiving the earnings of a prostitute, previously known as “pimping,” is the act of receiving earnings from an individual that performs sexual acts for money. As this is related to human trafficking, the penalties are severe. The maximum penalty is 10 years in jail and a $10,000.00 fine.

How Prostitution Arrests Occur

Historically, prostitution was a street-level crime, with individuals engaged in the sex trade advertising their services in public. With the rise of the internet, however, most of the sex trade has moved to online advertising services. Accordingly, many arrests for prostitution now occur in “sting” type operations at hotels or massage parlors. The Montgomery County Police vigorously enforce prostitution laws. Additionally, the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County treats prostitution cases very seriously due to the perceived impact prostitution has on the community.

Defenses to Prostitution & Related Charges

As with any criminal offense, the state of Maryland has the burden of proving an accused individual’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Common defenses to prostitution in Maryland include lack of knowledge or lack of intent by an accused individual. In order to identify possible defenses, it is a good idea to request a thorough review of the evidence from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

At Portner & Shure, P.A., we have been successfully representing clients in prostitution cases in Montgomery County for more than 30 years. In addition to excellent reviews from our previous clients, our reputation in the legal community can be seen in the numerous awards we have earned. The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys of 2020 recently recognized Portner & Shure, P.A. as one of Maryland’s “10 Best Law Firms,” and we have received other recognition from prestigious organizations for our commitment to providing aggressive client advocacy.

Schedule your free and confidential case evaluation today by calling (240) 233-2801 or by contacting us online.