Experienced DC Prostitution Lawyer
If you are facing prostitution or solicitation charges, our DC prostitution lawyer has what it takes to protect your rights, freedom, and future.
When You Need a DC Prostitution Lawyer
If you have been accused of soliciting personal relationships with someone in one of the prostitution-free zones, you will require the services of an experienced DC prostitution lawyer.
The term “prostitution” means a person has engaged in sexual acts with another for a fee. Unless a police officer was posing as someone soliciting prostitution, two or more persons could be charged and convicted of the offense.
It is against the law to solicit prostitution in Washington, DC. If you are accused of doing so, you should immediately contact a local firm like Scrofano Law PC for a free consultation.
Our experienced DC prostitution lawyer can review your case and advise you on the best way to handle it. We will work with law enforcement throughout the process to ensure that all parties receive a fair and just outcome.
Prostitution Defense Attorney in DC.
Your prostitution defense attorney in DC will advise you regarding the court process, which usually involves three or more hearings, including:
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Arraignment
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Initial status hearing
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A final status hearing (also referred to as the trial)
The arraignment is held in the DC Superior Court. During this hearing, the defendant is informed of the charges and allowed to enter their plea. If they haven’t already retained counsel, the court will encourage them to do so.
The initial status hearing is usually three or four weeks after the arraignment. The defense and the prosecution lawyers will decide whether to schedule the final status hearing or take a diversion program path.
Best DC Prostitution Lawyer
The best DC prostitution lawyer is familiar with the District law explaining the criminal offense you are charged with and how to create a winning defense. Washington, DC, is considered a prostitution-free zone, and the penalties for illegal sexual acts are severe.
In DC, the maximum penalties for prostitution are as follows:
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First offense receives no more than 90 days imprisonment and/or a $500 fine.
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The second offense receives up to 135 days imprisonment and a $750 fine.
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Subsequent offense receive no more than 180 days imprisonment and/or a $1000 fine.
The person may receive a suspended sentence with probation rather than incarceration. They may also be ordered to submit to mental health or medical treatment and to stay away from the area where their offense happened.
Choosing a Top-Rated Prostitution Attorney
Although sexual solicitation and prostitution are usually prosecuted as minor offenses, you still want a top-rated prostitution attorney to increase the likelihood you see no jail time, especially if you have prior convictions. First-time offenders are often offered diversion programs consisting of community service to dismiss their charges.
Engaging in a sexual act for a fee is usually prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Even when the defendant pleads guilty, they will often receive a “suspended” sentence unless they fail to complete the conditions of their probation.
Look to Scrofano Law PC when you need the most experienced DC prostitution lawyer to represent your interests during the proceedings. We will help you understand the legal process, review the evidence against you, and negotiate a favorable outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How to Hire a Prostitution Lawyer in the DC Area
You must know how to hire a DC solicitation lawyer if you have been arrested for misconduct in a prostitution-free zone. Technically, you have the right to offer your defense. This is nearly always a bad idea, and the courts will actively encourage you to hire a professional to represent you.
With high stakes, including the social stigma of a criminal record for prostitution, if you cannot afford an attorney, you will receive a court-appointed one to help with your case.
When possible, you should strive to secure the services of a professional attorney yourself. Rather than an overworked and underpaid public defender, your legal counselor will focus their attention on your case and offer excellent advice and advocacy.
Scrofano Law PC is skilled at negotiating with prosecutors and taking a case to trial. We have a proven track record of obtaining reduced sentences, including probation and diversion programs. We understand the legal complexities surrounding prostitution charges and are well-versed in relevant DC laws.
Qualities of a Good Lawyer to Represent Prostitute
The qualities of an excellent lawyer to represent an alleged prostitute include having a thorough understanding of the law and possessing good communication skills and empathy. A strong DC criminal lawyer understands the personal ramifications their client faces if they are convicted of the prostitution charge.
Since people are usually arrested during a “sting” operation, many believe an entrapment defense is the easiest way to clear their prostitution case. Unfortunately, that is generally not as easy as they think.
A police officer posing as a prostitute offers sexual favors to another. If a discussion of exchanging a fee for the unlawful act occurs, other members of the Metropolitan Police Department swoop in to arrest the person for engaging in prostitution.
Although the entrapment defense is rarely successful, DC criminal defense lawyers can explain what evidence will help the defendants avoid misdemeanor sex crimes. Before you plead guilty to a sexual violation, contact Scrofano Law for a free consultation.
Outcomes of Working With a Prostitution Attorney in DC.
The best factors to consider in a prostitution attorney in DC include how many clients they have helped and whether their charges were dropped or reduced.
Another option a DC prostitution attorney may recommend for first-time offenders is a “diversion” program. For those who pass a drug test, the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) program will dismiss the charges of anyone who completes 32 hours of approved community service within four months.
For those unable to pass a drug test or are otherwise ineligible for a DPA, a Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA) might be an option. It consists of a voluntary agreement between the defendant and the government.
The defendant pleads guilty and waives the right to a trial. Instead, they complete certain conditions that, upon completion, result in the withdrawal of the guilty plea and the dismissal of the charges. They are sentenced for the crime if they fail to complete the conditions.
Participation in a DPA or DSA is at the Office of the US Attorney’s discretion. A Washington, DC, law firm can help you minimize the penalties for a prostitution-related offense.
Understanding DC Prostitution Laws
To better understand the DC prostitution laws, review these prostitution FAQs provided by Scrofano Law.
Suppose you are arrested for a criminal charge in Washington, DC. In that case, you will have a criminal record, either an FBI database entry or a publicly accessible permanent criminal record. Being accused of performing sexual services in a public space has a social stigma that may make it difficult for you to get specific jobs. A DC criminal lawyer can help.
Avoiding arrest is one way to ensure you don’t have a criminal record, but being forgiven is another. If the Metropolitan Police Department has arrested you for illegal sexual contact, you should immediately contact a DC prostitution attorney to help with your case.
If you have been charged with prostitution-related offenses and wish to avoid a prostitution conviction, contact Scrofano Law PC for a free consultation and case evaluation. They will explain your options and plan a defense to prevent the most severe penalties and social stigma involved in the process.
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