Can I Fight Charges of Prostitution in Florida?
In the Florida legal system, prostitution is considered a serious crime. Accordingly, prostitution charges can carry heavy consequences if not prevented or fought against effectively. In addition to sentences including, but not limited to, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, and imprisonment, there is the possibility of the lifelong addition of your information on the national sex offender registry.
The experience of being charged with prostitution is overwhelming and very complex, especially because sex crimes are taken very seriously in the criminal justice system. However, you still have a right to representation in court, and with the right help with your case defense from a Tampa federal criminal defense attorney, you could strengthen your innocence and lessen or even have your prostitution charge dropped.
Understanding a Prostitution Charge
Prostitution is considered a felony in Florida. According to the 2018 Florida statute, prostitution is defined as the “giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excluding sexual activity between spouses.” In addition, there are multiple charges in the legislature that could fall under the term of prostitution, including:
- Owning, establishing, maintaining, or operating any place for the purpose of prostitution
- Offering or agreeing to secure someone for the purpose of prostitution
- Receiving or agreeing to receive any person into any place, structure, building, or conveyance for the purpose of prostitution, including permitting any person to remain there for such purpose
- Directing, taking, transporting, or offering to agree to direct, take, or transport any place, structure, or building, or to any other person, with the knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that the purpose of such directing, taking, or transporting is prostitution, lewdness, or assignation
- For a person 18 years of age or older to offer to commit, or to commit, or to engage in, prostitution, lewdness, or assignation
- Soliciting, inducing, enticing, or procuring someone to commit prostitution
- Residing in, entering, or remaining in any place, structure, or building, or entering or remaining in any conveyance, for the purpose of prostitution
- Aiding or participating in any of the aforementioned
- Purchasing the services of any person engaged in prostitution
There are many various actions and accusations that could lead to a prostitution charge. However, even though the prospect of a prostitution charge is intense and could result in dire consequences when not properly dealt with, the truth is that you can fight charges of prostitution in Florida.
Hiring a Federal Defense Attorney
You have the right to present a defense in court. To help achieve the most favorable outcome for your prostitution charge, the most effective strategy is hiring a knowledgeable and aggressive expert federal defense attorney. Prostitution charges have major implications, both inside and outside the legal system. Consulting and hiring one of the skilled attorneys at The Rickman Law Firm will offer you the insight to be able to navigate the stress of the criminal trial process. With a reputable consult, there is a better chance of reducing fines or sentence, or even your charges being dropped.
The right Tampa federal defense attorney can be the crucial ally needed to improve your chances of a dropped charge, lessened fine, or a dropped case. You should be confident in the attorney that you hire. They should have successful experience in a trial defending charges and cases that are relevant to yours. The attorney that you hire should be highly skilled, with a library of applicable knowledge to devote to defending and fighting for your justice.
Gather Evidence Supporting Your Claim
Once hired, your Tampa federal criminal defense attorney will begin dissecting the case built against you by the prosecution. They will consider the investigation that has been conducted against you and begin conducting their own. This investigation could include interviewing relevant informants, gathering their evidence to support your claim or dispute the prosecution’s, reviewing police reports and investigative records, as well as discovering and reviewing other relative documents and statements. In addition, they will take considerable care to examine each piece of evidence that the prosecution has gathered and reported with the primary reason being to find any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. These weaknesses could possibly include inconsistencies or flaws in the witness statements or tampering with the evidence gathered. This meticulously conducted aspect of the investigation can end up in the production and discovery of strong evidence that could lead to a result of either dismissing your case or drastically reducing your charge.
Another way to help mitigate your charge of prostitution is to work on strengthening your defense. This can be achieved through thoroughly taking the time to gather any pieces of evidence of your own that could be used to support your justice in the case. Some examples of these pieces of evidence could be personal statements and personal backgrounds from alibis, informants, and witnesses, any electronic evidence, such as surveillance footage and photographs, or expert reports and statements, including physical or mental examinations and testing results.
The Rickman Law Firm Fighting For You
The Rickman Law Firm’s attorneys are reputable and renowned for having expertise, successful defense strategies, and a wide array of relevant knowledge. Position yourself toward a favorable outcome in your fight against a prostitution charge wit .
Our firm is always open for you to receive expert legal counsel or to hire an aggressive attorney to fight for your rights during the criminal trial process. For a free consultation, call the Rickman Law Firm any time at 813-999-0502 or fill out our online consultation form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.