Phoenix Prostitution Attorneys

What are the Penalties for Prostitution in Arizona?

As prostitution offenses generally fall under state jurisdiction, every state sets its own laws and penalties for the offense. A handful of states (9, to be exact) set harsher penalties for the customer soliciting prostitution, while only a couple set harsher penalties for the actual prostitute. The rest, including Arizona, punish both the prostitute and the customer equally. 

For a first Phoenix prostitution offense, the offender will receive between 15 days to 6 months in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, and up to 3 years probation. For each additional offense, the penalty increases, resulting in lengthier jail time. Below are the penalties for the second and subsequent offenses of prostitution:

• Second Offense – Class 1 Misdemeanor

• 30 days – 6 months in jail 
  • Fines of up to $2,500
  • Up to 3 years probation

• Third Offense – Class 1 Misdemeanor
  • 60 days – 6 months in jail 
  • Fines of up to $2,500
  • Up to 3 years probation

• Fourth Offense – Class 5 Felony
  • 180 days – 4 years in prison
  • Fines of up to $2,500

Meanwhile, for the first prostitution offense of enticement, the offender will be charged with a Class 6 felony that is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment. The Class 5 felony charges of procuring, pandering, and transporting may be punishable by up to 2 and a half years in state prison for a first offense.

The penalties for child prostitution are understandably harsher and will always be classified as a Class 2 felony. Prostitution with a minor below the age of 15 often carries lengthy prison terms. However, if the minor was between the ages of 15 and 17, the offender may be eligible for probation with a 180-day prison sentence that, with mandatory counseling, might be reduced to 90 days. It is also important to remember that while prostitution that takes place between two consenting adults does not require sex offender registration, engaging in child prostitution does.

No matter what offense you have been charged with, an Arizona prostitution lawyer like Belén can help.

What are Common Defenses Against Prostitution?

Those charged with prostitution must obtain the help of a Phoenix prostitution defense lawyer as soon as possible to help drop or dismiss their charges or otherwise achieve a reduced sentence. A skilled Arizona prostitution lawyer like Belén Olmedo Guerra may present any number of possible defenses for your criminal charges, including the following:

• Insufficient evidence: Prosecutors must provide a preponderance of evidence to secure a prostitution conviction. If the prosecution has not produced sufficient and trustworthy evidence that prostitution-related offenses occurred, your lawyer may argue that the state lacks enough evidence to pursue charges
• Entrapment: Entrapment is a common defense strategy. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers portray themselves as sex workers’ agents or pimps and lure law-abiding defendants into prostitution by persuading them to engage in sexual acts
• Legal impossibility: Your Arizona prostitution lawyer may attempt to demonstrate that the claimed activities cannot be considered criminal. This defense is commonly used by lawyers when the defendant’s sexual exchanges take place over the internet
• Lack of intent: The prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly and intentionally engaged in acts of prostitution. Lack of intent can be a viable defense if it can be demonstrated that a defendant did not intend to engage in sexual conduct

Why Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney if I Have Been Arrested for Prostitution?

If you have been arrested for a prostitution offense, you may be unsure of what you can do to avoid going to jail. For example, Arizona law dictates that individuals convicted of a first-time offense must serve 15 days in jail.

A criminal defense lawyer is essential to help you avoid jail and the other serious consequences that can result from a conviction. A skilled attorney understands the complexities of Arizona criminal law and what legal defense may apply to your case. For example, in many prostitution crimes, defense attorneys can prove a lack of intent or that the state has insufficient evidence to pursue charges.

Suppose you have been arrested for previous prostitution offenses or aggravating factors that can result in enhanced penalties. In that case, an attorney will act as your legal advocate with the prosecutor so that you can plead guilty to a reduced charge.

Regardless of the prostitution charges you face, you must hire an experienced attorney who can inform you of your legal options and help you avoid a conviction.

Belén Law Firm, PLLC, realizes that often good people make poor choices that require legal assistance. If you have been facing charges related to prostitution, contact our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a consultation so we may determine how we can help.

Why Should I Choose Your Phoenix Prostitution Defense Lawyer to Represent Me?

If you have been charged with prostitution in Phoenix or the surrounding areas, you need the help of Belén Olmedo Guerra, a top Phoenix sex crimes attorney. Call an experienced attorney at our Phoenix office for a free consultation at 602-715-0908 today. We are available 24/7 and offer flexible payment options, so do not hesitate to call us or complete our online intake form below.