While many think of prostitution as a victimless crime, Ohio prosecutes the charges harshly. A person the court finds guilty of soliciting prostitution faces court costs, fines, probation, and lengthy jail time.
The consequences of a conviction will depend significantly on the details of the arrest and case. For the best potential outcome, it is always a good idea to reach out to our qualified defense attorneys. Contact our firm to speak with a Toledo soliciting prostitution lawyer today to schedule a meeting.
Two adults engaging in sexual activity is not a criminal offense. However, when other components are involved, the state could arrest and charge both individuals with prostitution and solicitation. According to Ohio Revised Codes § 2907.1, the state defines prostitution or solicitation of prostitution as knowingly and purposely persuading another to participate in sexual activity for the exchange of money, goods, or services.
Other prostitution-related crimes fall within this category, such as pimping and pandering, and sex trafficking. A qualified soliciting prostitution attorney at our firm in Toledo can advise anyone arrested or charged with this crime on their legal options.
At a minimum, a conviction could mean a misdemeanor on the individual’s permanent criminal record. The most severe charges could mean a first-degree felony conviction and spending years in prison. Individuals convicted of prostitution can also face steep fines of up to $20,000 and other adverse consequences.
In some instances, a person the criminal court finds guilty may face sex offender registration. According to the Ohio Revised Code § 2950.01, a prostitution conviction that involves soliciting minors or compelling someone underage to prostitute requires classification and registration as a state sex offender. Registering as a sex offender will cause adverse consequences in every part of an individual’s life, including employment, finding a place to live, and anything that involves a background check. Our skilled Toledo soliciting prostitution attorneys can investigate the cause for arrest and help strategize the best potential defense.
The state may also prosecute a person for loitering for the purpose of prostitution. Under the Ohio Revised Code § 2907.241, loitering for the purpose of prostitution involves any of the following actions in a public place to solicit another to engage in prostitution:
In addition to charges for loitering, individuals can also face felony charges if they engage in prostitution while knowingly carrying the HIV virus. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding an arrest, our Toledo soliciting prostitution attorneys can examine the details of a case to determine the best course of action.
If you face prostitution charges, trying to handle the criminal case on your own is never a good idea. Contacting our seasoned and hard-working Toledo soliciting prostitution lawyers will provide the best chance for a positive outcome in your case.
Our skilled legal professionals can advocate on your behalf inside and outside of the courtroom. Reach out to Groth & Associates Attorneys at Law today to schedule a consultation.
