Prostitution

Many people are familiar with the classic definition of prostitution. However, Georgia laws go beyond this basic definition to include any number of other related activities.

These laws aim to punish not just the person offering the sex act for money, but the people offering to buy it, those who arrange the deal, and anyone otherwise connected with the activity. A DeKalb County prostitution lawyer can represent people who are facing charges that are in any way related to prostitution.

An experienced defense attorney can understand that these charges can affect not just a person’s freedom, but also their reputation, therefore, a vigorous and knowledgeable defense is of the utmost importance.

Georgia Code 16-6-9 defines prostitution as when a person carries out or offers to carry out, any type of sexual act for anything of value. This is the basic definition, but the laws also aim to punish other people who are connected to this activity. These actions include:

• Keeping any place for the purpose of offering secrecy for prostitution activities
• Acting as a handler to arrange an act of prostitution. This can also apply if a person otherwise aids an act of prostitution
• This is also known as pandering. Alternatively known as solicitation in other states, this punishes those who are attempting to purchase the sex act

Georgia’s laws are expansive enough to punish any person who is remotely connected to an exchange of sex for money.

Georgia’s prescribed penalties for conviction under these statutes are harsh. People charged with prostitution face the least serious penalties. A conviction for prostitution is always considered a simple misdemeanor, no matter how many times a person is convicted. Simple misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000 under Georgia Code 17-10-3.

The more serious charges of pandering, pimping, or abetting prostitution are charged as misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature. The potential jail time remains the same, but fine may be increased to $5,000. The most serious charges involve arranging for prostitution when the sex worker is under the age of 18. All of these charges are considered felonies with a minimum jail term of five years and much harsher fines.

Making matters worse, people who are accused and convicted of pandering or aiding prostitution are vulnerable to the civil forfeiture of their vehicles or money. A conviction under many of these statutes also requires a newspaper article be written outlining the charges and publishing the guilty party’s mugshot. A conviction under a prostitution statute, therefore, jeopardizes not just a person’s freedom, but also their reputation in the community. A DeKalb County prostitution lawyer can attempt to protect an individual’s reputation.

Being charged with any crime is a serious matter, and prostitution is no different. Even people facing the most minor versions of these violations face potential jail time and heavy fines.

It is important to work with a defense attorney who understands Georgia’s prostitution laws and how prosecutors aim to convict the accused. Many cases alleging prostitution are centered around circumstantial evidence and unreliable witnesses.

A DeKalb County prostitution lawyer can represent your interests from arraignment through pre-trial sessions, to a potential full trial. Whether your goal is to come to a fair plea deal, or to fight the charges every step of the way, a lawyer could stand by your side. Contact an attorney today to see how they can help.