Phoenix Prostitution Attorneys

¿Cuáles son las sanciones por prostitución en Arizona?

Como los delitos de prostitución generalmente caen bajo la jurisdicción estatal, cada estado establece sus propias leyes y sanciones para el delito. Un puñado de estados (9, para ser exactos) establecen penas más severas para el cliente que solicita la prostitución, mientras que solo un par establece penas más severas para la prostituta real. El resto, incluido Arizona, castiga por igual tanto a la prostituta como al cliente. 

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:

• Reincidencia – Delito menor de clase 1

• 30 days – 6 months in jail 
  • Multas de hasta $2,500
  • Hasta 3 años de libertad condicional

• Third Offense – Class 1 Misdemeanor
  • 60 days – 6 months in jail 
  • Multas de hasta $2,500
  • Hasta 3 años de libertad condicional

• Fourth Offense – Class 5 Felony
  • 180 days – 4 years in prison
  • Multas de hasta $2,500

Mientras tanto, por el primer delito de prostitución de tentación, el delincuente será acusado de un delito grave de Clase 6 que se castiga con hasta 2 años de prisión. Los cargos por delitos graves de clase 5 de procuración, proxenetismo y transporte pueden ser castigados con hasta 2 años y medio en una prisión estatal por la primera infracción.

Las penas por prostitución infantil son comprensiblemente más severas y siempre se clasificarán como un delito grave de Clase 2. La prostitución con un menor de 15 años a menudo conlleva largas penas de prisión. Sin embargo, si el menor tenía entre 15 y 17 años, el delincuente puede ser elegible para libertad condicional con una sentencia de prisión de 180 días que, con asesoramiento obligatorio, podría reducirse a 90 días. También es importante recordar que, si bien la prostitución que tiene lugar entre dos adultos que consienten no requiere el registro de delincuentes sexuales, la prostitución infantil sí lo requiere.

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.