Prostitution And Related Charges

Trustworthy Defense For Prostitution And Related Charges

Crimes against the prostitution are codified in New York State Penal Law Article 230. These laws are targeted at prostitutes and their pimps, as well as the people who patronize prostitutes. If you find yourself accused of any prostitution-related crime, working with a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you protect your reputation and your rights.

At Konta Georges & Buza P.C. our attorneys handle all our cases with skill and discretion, because we know that your concerns extend beyond the legal consequences of your conviction. As your advocate, we will make it our mission to resolve your criminal matter as quickly and privately as possible. We have successfully represented thousands of residents in all five boroughs of New York City, and we are ready to help you.

Schedule your private consultation by emailing or calling our firm at 212-710-5166.

Overview Of Prostitution Charges

A person is guilty of prostitution when the person “engages or agrees to offer to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee.” Prostitution is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail. It is worth noting that it is not necessary for sexual conduct to be initiated or completed for this charge to be filed. A person can be convicted of prostitution just by agreeing to engage in sexual conduct for a fee.

When it comes to allegations of patronizing prostitution, there are three degrees of charges. The degree of patronizing a prostitute that a person can be charged with depends on the age of the prostitute. As per the New York penal code, “a person patronizes a prostitute when:

• Pursuant to a prior understanding, they pay a fee to another person as compensation for such person or a third person having engaged in sexual conduct with them
• They pay or agree to pay a fee to another person pursuant to an understanding that in return that person or a third person will engage in sexual conduct with them
• They solicit or request another person to engage in sexual conduct in return for a fee.”

Pursuant to the penal code, a “person who is patronized” means the person with whom the accused person engaged in sexual conduct or was to have engaged in sexual conduct pursuant to the understanding of the person who was solicited or requested by the defendant to engage in sexual conduct.

Penalties For Prostitution Charges

• Patronizing a prostitute in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. A person is guilty of this anytime he patronizes a prostitute.
• If a person patronizes a prostitute and is over the age of 18, and the prostitute is under the age of 14, then they are guilty of patronizing a prostitute in the second degree. This is a class E felony which is punishable by up to four years in prison.
• If a person patronizes a prostitute and the prostitute is under the age of 11, then they are guilty of patronizing a prostitute in the first degree, which is a class D felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Promoting Prostitution

In addition to prostitution and patronizing prostitution charges, there are also charges for “promoting prostitution.” These set of laws are made to target pimps. As the person’s role in the organization increases (such as if he’s a “manager” of an organization that promotes prostitution) the degree of promoting prostitution can rise. The same is true as the age of the prostitute is lowered:

• Promoting prostitution in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.
• Promoting prostitution in the third degree is a class D felony, punishable by up to seven years in jail.
• Promoting prostitution in the second degree is a class C felony punishable by up to 15 years in jail.
• Promoting prostitution in the first degree is a class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in jail.

In addition, there are more serious charges which can include “sex trafficking.”

Call 212-710-5166 To Reach A Skilled Attorney

Prostitution, patronizing prostitution and promoting prostitution are crimes. Contact a former prosecutor at our firm by using our confidential online form or by dialing 212-710-5166.