Prostitution, pimping, and pandering arrests are not always as they seem. Even before you’ve had your day in court, people judge your life and assume you’re guilty. Hire Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to devise a strategy and preserve evidence that demonstrates why everyone is wrong about you.
“I don’t know what caused you to get arrested, and I don’t know your life. What I do know is that the justice system must prove its charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can’t, you don’t deserve to be punished. Regardless of the circumstances, you can expect that I will stand by your side throughout the process and fight back against the people who believe you have done something wrong.”
Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq.
Founder & Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shuttleworth Law P.C.
Get a Free Case Evaluation with Shuttleworth Law P.C. Now
The clock is ticking on your next court hearing. Learn about your legal options by calling Shuttleworth Law P.C.’s Philadelphia prostitution defense attorneys at 888-529-3486 for a Free Case Evaluation or message us here. We can also meet in-person or via secure video conferencing if you prefer.
Are You Accused of Being in the Life?
Just because you were arrested for prostitution, pimping, or pandering does not mean you are guilty of the crime. Yet.
Wrongful arrests happen every day, but how would a criminal court know your legal side of the story without Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyers? Prosecutors go after these cases routinely, and your arrest signifies that they feel confident in their ability to get some kind of conviction.
Shuttleworth Law P.C. aggressively defends the following types of prostitution, pimping and pandering charges:
Prostitution
Prostitution is illegal in Pennsylvania per 18 Pa.C.S. § 5902. However, it only results in a conviction if the prosecutors prove that a commercial sex act occurred. A commercial sex act is when someone engages in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value.
It’s also illegal to loiter in a public place while allegedly waiting to be hired for a commercial sex act. The Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. can assist if you face these charges as well.
Promoting Prostitution
The promotion of prostitution (aka “pimping and pandering”) is any activity that entices “Johns” into soliciting a prostitute. However, prosecutors must prove you knew that prostitution was taking place.
Innocent people throughout Pennsylvania have wrongfully faced accusations over promoting prostitution, including:
- Allowing prostitution in your leased or rented place with no effort to stop it
- Earning or agreeing to receive money for promotion
- Encouraging or promoting someone to become or remain a prostitute
- Living solely on the proceeds of prostitution
- Managing a brothel or a prostitution house
- Obtaining a client for a prostitute or a prostitute for a client
- Procuring a prostitute for a prostitution house
- Transporting a person into PA for prostitution
- Other acts of promoting prostitution
IMPORTANT: Don’t give statements to the police. You cannot talk your way out of your charges at this point. Remain aware but stay silent after asking for Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyers.
Promoting the Prostitution of a Minor
Promoting the prostitution of a minor inflicts a harsher penalty if the victim is under 18. These cases are particularly challenging, meaning that you should get legal advice as soon as possible, as the Commonwealth classifies them as a felony.
HIV/AIDS Infection
Prostitution, pandering, and pimping are more severe offenses if the alleged offender has a positive acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis. These charges are also classified as a felony.
Call Shuttleworth Law P.C. Now If You Caught a Case
Your charges do not have to become your fate without putting up the fight of your life. The Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. will treat you with dignity and respect while protecting your rights fiercely. Find out more about how we could help during a Free Case Evaluation by calling 888-529-3486.
Conviction Penalties Change Your Life From the Top Down
The tough part is recognizing what could happen to you if the prosecutor gets their way. We NEVER sugarcoat anything with our clients at Shuttleworth Law P.C., so let’s lay out exactly what’s on the line if you get convicted for prostitution, pimping, or pandering.
Below, we’ve outlined the maximum penalties as described in Pennsylvania’s consolidated statutes:
- First or second convictions: A third-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year of imprisonment and $2,500 in fines
- Third conviction: A second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to two years imprisonment and $5,000 in fines
- Fourth- or subsequent conviction: A first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to five years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines
- Promoting prostitution: A second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to two years imprisonment and $5,000 in fines, unless you compelled another to engage in prostitution or you promoted someone in your care to engage in prostitution, in which case it would be a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 in fines
- Promoting the prostitution of a minor: A third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and $15,000 in fines
- While Knowingly Testing Positive for HIV/AIDS: A third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and $15,000 in fines
Sex Offender Registration Is Possible
Anyone convicted of promoting the prostitution of a minor must register as a sex offender for 25 years following prison or probation release. That means you become part of a public database that anyone can search for your photograph, address, and crimes committed for a significant portion of your life.
Limited Future Prospects
Individuals convicted of felony prostitution offenses are ineligible for employment in public or private schools in Pennsylvania. Any conviction of a school employee must be reported to the state licensing board. Other professions may be subject to similar laws.
Loss of Parental Rights
While this penalty doesn’t occur at a sentencing hearing, it is a genuine possibility. For many loving parents in challenging situations, this outcome could destroy a person. If you are a parent and face pandering, pimping, or prostitution charges, hire a Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyer to present your case favorably.
Start Protecting Your Case Early with Philadelphia Prostitution Defense Lawyers
A criminal conviction for prostitution and pimping can carry severe consequences, including prison or jail time, fines, job loss, and even sex offender registration. If charged with a crime, you should contact Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. NOW. We will immediately act on your behalf when you hire our legal team so that you stay protected and secure.
A Free Case Evaluation Is Your Lifeline
All it takes is one no-cost, no-obligation phone call to learn about your legal options and how Shuttleworth Law P.C. could help you. Call us for a Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486 now or message Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq. via the form below. We can meet with you in-person or secure video conferencing to make our services as convenient and as discreet as possible.
Prostitution Defense FAQs
You are not responsible for proving your innocence, but you are responsible for disproving the prosecutor’s case against you. The opportunity to beat your charges may exist with the right plan of action.
Below, our Philadelphia prostitution defense lawyers have answered a few of your most frequently asked questions (FAQs):
What is the penalty for prostitution in Pennsylvania?
The penalty for prostitution in Pennsylvania depends upon your number of past convictions. Maximum penalties for misdemeanor prostitution crimes include up to five years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines, although aggravated and enhanced charges could increase them. However, you could face a third-degree felony in specific situations, which can result in up to seven years of imprisonment and $15,000 in fines.
What is considered prostitution in PA?
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5902, prostitution in PA occurs if someone engages in sexual activity as a business or loiters in public places as a way to get hired for sexual activity. You could also face promoting prostitution charges if you own, control, or promote a prostitute as a business activity.
Is soliciting illegal in PA?
Yes, soliciting a prostitute is illegal in PA. You could face Patronizing Prostitutes charges if you hire someone to engage in sexual activity with someone who engages in these acts as a business activity. The Commonwealth would classify these charges as misdemeanors unless you knew that you were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive or experiencing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) symptoms.
Where Can I Get Legal Advice About PA Prostitution Charges?
The Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. welcome you to learn more about your PA prostitution charges by scheduling a Free Case Evaluation with our legal team. Request yours now by calling 888-529-3486 or sending us a direct message here.