In the state of Florida, prostitution and soliciting prostitution are very serious offenses; those convicted with be punished harshly. Under Florida Statute 796.07(1)(e) it is unlawful for an individual to commit, offer to commit, or engage in prostitution, lewdness, or assignation. Florida Statute 796.07(1)(f) makes it unlawful for another person to solicit or entice someone to commit these acts. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, our Orlando sex crime defense attorneys are dedicated to providing those who have been accused of these sexual offenses with solid, effective legal guidance and representation. Whether you are under investigation or have been charged, we urge you to contact us immediately.
Soliciting prostitution may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on your unique situation. Whether you are accused of offering your services as a prostitute, or soliciting someone else to commit prostitution, a conviction will have a devastating impact on your career, reputation, and personal life. Law enforcement officials often set up prostitution stings; an undercover police officer may have set you up, resulting in a solicitation or prostitution charge. Regardless of how it happened, you are likely both frightened and humiliated. Our Orlando prostitution and solicitation lawyers are compassionate and dedicated to protecting your privacy. We use great discretion when involved in these types of sensitive issues.
Unfortunately, police often participate in "sting" operations involving prostitution rings or escort services. Essentially, innocent people can be enticed into doing something unlawful they did not intend to do, which could be considered entrapment in some situations.
Defenses to Charges of Prostitution or Solicitation in FloridaThere are many defense tactics which may prove successful in your case. depending on the facts, strength of the evidence, and other factors. We will thoroughly discuss your case with you, identify all defenses which may be effective in your situation, and do whatever it takes to secure an acquittal.
You have constitutional rights which must be protected. These rights include a guarantee that all individuals are free from unlawful or illegal conduct by police. In order to search your person, property, or vehicle, or to stop you or perform a search (pat down) of your person, police must have a lawful basis or reasonable suspicion. If police engage in illegal conduct, it may be possible to suppress evidence or any statements you made following the unlawful police conduct.
In addition, if an undercover sting operation was performed, it may be possible to challenge evidence presented in court. As seasoned Orlando prostitution and solicitation attorneys, we will investigate:
There are dozens of questions that must be answered; people's legal rights are violated every day by police. It is critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer who will work diligently to devise the strongest possible defense strategy.
Criminal Penalties for Prostitution and Solicitation in Orlando & Central FloridaThe penalties an individual will face for prostitution or solicitation depend on prior criminal convictions and whether the crime is a first, second, or third/subsequent offense. If convicted for a first offense, you will potentially face a maximum of 60 days in jail, a mandatory fine or penalty of $5,000, and a permanent criminal record.
A second offense is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by substantial fines and jail time of up to one (1) year.
A third or subsequent offense will result in a third degree felony charge, which will leave the defendant facing a maximum of five (5) years in prison, along with monetary fines, possible drug treatment, supervised probation, and mandatory testing for HIV or STD's (sexually transmitted diseases).
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton NowAs is evident from the above information, prostitution and solicitation are serious criminal offenses in the state of Florida. Whether you have been wrongly accused or feel your legal rights were violated, it is imperative that you consult with a lawyer who is skilled, experienced, and aggressive. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, preventing a conviction is our number one priority. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation at (407) 872-0307 or (352) 787-2101.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.