Were you recently arrested on prostitution charges in West Chester, PA? The consequences of a conviction can go far beyond the already serious penalties enforced by the criminal justice system. You shouldn’t go up against these charges on your own; a criminal defense attorney greatly improves the chances of having your charges reduced or dismissed.
The experienced West Chester prostitution lawyers with DiCindio Law, LLC, are here to help protect your rights and defend you against the charges you’re facing. Our founding attorney, Michael DiCindio, is a former prosecutor. He knows how the other side likes to work and won’t let them get away with attempting to take advantage of you.
For more information, call our law office at (610) 430-3535 or contact us online. We offer a free consultation to review the facts and circumstances of your case.
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How DiCindio Law, LLC, Can Help if You Are Facing Prostitution Charges in West Chester
Prostitution charges are nothing to scoff at. There are serious potential penalties that a court could enforce, and the collateral consequences could impact the rest of your life. In addition, the prosecution has discretion in how to charge and proceed in these cases, which means you could face an uphill battle in your defense.
Fortunately, the West Chester sex crimes lawyers with DiCindio Law, LLC, are more than up to the task of defending you every step of the way. We’ve been recognized as Rising Stars and Super Lawyers by the Super Lawyers legal organization, and our attorneys have over a decade of experience practicing law. When you hire us to put that experience in your corner, we will:
- Collect exculpatory evidence to help your defense
- Investigate the prosecution’s case against you for weak points
- Keep you informed of your legal options throughout your case
- Thoroughly research precedent and other sources of law relevant to your case
- Negotiate, if possible, to have your charges dismissed or reduced
- Bring your case to trial if the circumstances demand
And more. Contact us today in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to begin putting your best foot forward. Your initial consultation will be completely free, and there’s no obligation.
Pennsylvania Law Regarding Prostitution
Prostitution is largely covered under Pennsylvania Statutes Title 18, § 5902. The statute makes it illegal to engage in “sexual activity as a business” and to loiter “in or within view of any public place for the purpose of being hired to engage in sexual activity.”
The statute thus covers individuals working as prostitutes and those who engage in sexual activity with a prostitute. The latter circumstance is referred to as patronizing a prostitute and is covered by section (e) of the statute.
Section (b) of the statute prohibits the promotion of prostitution. Operating a brothel, hiring prostitutes, and engaging in the “pimping” of prostitutes are all illegal under this section.
The West Chester sex crimes attorneys with DiCindio Law, LLC, can help defend you against any of these charges. Call today for assistance.
The Penalties of Prostitution Charges in West Chester, PA
The same statute mentioned above describes the penalties for prostitution charges in West Chester, PA.
For prostitution charges, the penalties range from a third-degree misdemeanor (first or second offense) up to a third-degree felony if the person knows they have HIV or AIDS and continue to engage in prostitution. Jail time can range from up to one year for a third-degree misdemeanor to seven years for a third-degree felony conviction.
Promoting prostitution can also carry a wide range of possible penalties, from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Possible time in jail, therefore, ranges from up to two years to up to seven.
The penalties for patronizing prostitution are largely the same as those for prostitution itself. Overall, the Pennsylvania criminal justice system looks at your prior criminal history when considering which penalties to impose and the specific facts and circumstances of your case.
These are just the default penalties. Certain facts greatly increase the severity of the penalties you could face, such as when there are minors involved. Contact a West Chester prostitution lawyer immediately if your case involves such facts.
Collateral Consequences of Prostitution Charges
In addition to the penalties discussed above, additional consequences could follow you if you are convicted on prostitution charges in West Chester, Pennsylvania. These include:
- Registering as a sex offender, depending on the facts of your case
- Significant damage to your personal and professional reputation
- A criminal record, which could make finding employment or housing difficult
- Troubles with immigration, if applicable
Some of these consequences can be far-reaching and could last far beyond any time you spend in jail. An experienced sex crimes lawyer knows how to protect your interests during all legal proceedings. Call DiCindio Law, LLC, today for legal advice.
Possible Defenses To Prostitution Charges in Chester County
A variety of defenses are available to you after you’ve been arrested on prostitution charges in Chester County. The specific defenses will depend on your case but could include one or more of the following:
- The prosecution has failed to prove every element of your charges beyond a reasonable doubt
- You did not engage in sexual activity for a business purpose
- You were entrapped by the police or other law enforcement personnel
- There is exculpatory evidence available that outweighs the prosecution’s evidence
- Your constitutional rights were violated
- You did not have the necessary frame of mind (scienter) in order to convict
Depending on the exact charges you’re facing and the circumstances surrounding your situation, one or more of these defenses (or one not listed) might be your best option. Our West Chester prostitution lawyers will go to great lengths to ensure your best defense is brought forward.
Schedule a No-Charge Consultation With a West Chester Prostitution Lawyer
Pennsylvania state law regarding prostitution is fairly broad, covering a variety of situations and imposing an equally broad range of penalties. As the prosecution can pick and choose which charges and penalties to pursue, there’s a lot of variability in prostitution crimes cases in West Chester.
That variability could go against you, as the prosecution may attempt to pursue its case to the maximum extent allowable under Pennsylvania law. But hiring a West Chester prostitution lawyer with DiCindio Law, LLC, will allow you the peace of mind to know they won’t get away with such efforts.
Our legal team will always keep you informed of your legal options, and we’ll do what we can to present the best available defense. Call today begin forming an attorney-client relationship.