Cincinnati Prostitution & Solicitation Lawyer

Are you facing prostitution or solicitation charges in Ohio? Prostitution and soliciting offenses are commonly occurring criminal offenses in Ohio. Prostitution and solicitation offenses are illegal in Ohio, however, they are permitted in other states. If you are convicted of prostitution or soliciting, you will face harsh penalties and consequences that will forever impact the rest of your life. You will likely face extensive prison time, exorbitant fines and fees and potentially having to register as a sex offender. People are often quick to judge individuals who are convicted of prostitution and soliciting offenses, so you may also face a damaged reputation in your community.

Regardless of what happened in your case, it is understandable that you are probably scared and overwhelmed by the prostitution or soliciting charges that you are currently facing. You do not have to go through this experience alone. The Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorneys are here to provide their understanding and legal counsel to help you deal with the charges that you are facing. The sooner you consult with a Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorney, the better, as they will work diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case. This could mean the difference between serving less prison time to a complete dismissal of the charges altogether.

There are three prostitution offenses in Ohio. The following sections define and explain each of the offenses under the Ohio Revised Code.

Compelling Prostitution

Compelling prostitution can be defined according to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 2907.21) as anyone who knowingly engages in any of the actions listed below:

• Compels another person to engage in sexual activity for hire;
• Induces, procures, encourages, solicits, requests, or otherwise facilitates a minor or an individual the offender believes is a minor to participate in sexual activity for hire;
• Pays or agrees to pay a minor, or someone the offender believes is a minor, so the minor will participate in sexual activity, whether or not the offender is aware of the minor’s actual age;
• Pays a minor, or someone the offender believe is a minor, for having participated in sexual activity, whether or not the offender knew the minor’s age; or
• Allows a minor, or someone the offender believes to be a minor to participate in sexual activity for hire if the offender is a parent or guardian of the minor.

Promoting Prostitution

Promoting prostitution is defined according to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 2907.22) as anyone who knowingly participates in any of the actions listed below:

• Establishes, maintains, operates, manages, supervises, controls or has an interest in a brothel;
• Supervises, manages, or controls the activities of a prostitute in engaging in sexual activity for hire
• Transports another person or causes another person to be transported across state or county boundaries in order to facilitate the other person participating in sexual activity for hire;
• Induces or procures another person to engage in sexual activity for hire.

Soliciting a Prostitute

Soliciting a prostitute is specifically referred to as “loitering to engage in solicitation – solicitation after positive HIV test” under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 2907.241).

Soliciting a prostitute is defined as anyone who purposefully solicits another individual to engage in sexual activity for hire and while they are in a public place or close to one engages in one of the actions listed below:

• Beckons, stops, or attempts to stop another person;
• Engages or attempts to engage another person in conversation;
• Stops or attempts to stop the vehicle operator or a stationary vehicle;
• Attempts or encourages another person to go inside their vehicle;
• Blocks or obstructs another person’s path.

Prostitution and Soliciting Penalties

If you are facing being convicted for compelling prostitution, you will typically be charged with a third-degree felony. This charge entails serving at least one and up to five years in prison and paying up to $10,000 in fines.

If you are facing being convicted for compelling prostitution and the facts of your case indicate that the person compelled to participate in prostitution is between 16 and 18 years old, then you will be charged with a second-degree felony. This charge entails at least two and up to eight years in prison in addition to up to $15,000 in fines.

If you are facing being convicted for compelling prostitution and the facts of your case indicate that the person compelled to participate in prostitution is under 16 years old, you will be charged with a first-degree felony. This charge entails a minimum of three and up to a maximum of ten years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.

If you are facing being convicted for promoting prostitution, you will be charged with a fourth-degree felony. This entails a minimum of six months and up to a maximum of 18 months in prison in addition to fines up to $5,000.

If you are facing being convicted for promoting prostitution and the facts of your case indicate that the person promoted is a minor, then you will be charged with a third-degree felony. This entails a minimum of one year and up to a maximum of five years in prison in addition to fines up to $10,000.

If you are facing being convicted of soliciting a prostitute, you will be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor.

Other Consequences of Prostitution and Soliciting

Prostitution and soliciting offenses in Ohio involve harsh and unforgiving consequences in addition to extensive prison time and exorbitant fines and fees. Due to the serious nature of prostitution and soliciting offenses, this charge could permanently be on your criminal record for the remainder of your life.

A prostitution and soliciting conviction will profoundly impact all other areas of your life in a negative way. You may face having a reputation in your community as a disturbed and unstable criminal. You may also face difficulty keeping or finding a job, furthering your education, difficulty financially, obtaining loans, maintaining professional licensures and keeping custody of your children.

Every day in Ohio, there are many individuals who are charged with prostitution and soliciting. If you are facing prostitution or soliciting charges, it is imperative that you immediately contact the Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorneys. A prostitution and solicitation charge can be an overwhelming and anxiety-inducing experience, and you do not have to go through it alone. Although every case is different, it is crucial that you obtain an experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate attorney as soon as possible who will fight vigorously for your legal rights and best interest. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your options will be regarding your sentence. The Cincinnati Criminal Defense team has successfully defended hundreds of individuals charged with prostitution and soliciting offenses. Their knowledge, experience, and compassion for your case will help you receive the justice you deserve.

Facing criminal charges? Contact us today.

Criminal charges can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. You are probably worried about your freedoms and privileges being at stake and have a lot of questions. You can rest assured, because the Cincinnati Criminal Defense team is here for you. Get the justice that you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (513) 338-1890 or email us at advice@cincinnaticriminalattorney.com.