Bronx Prostitution Lawyer

Solicitation of prostitution or promoting of prostitution carries severe penalties in New York. Sex offenders stand to face steep fines and possible jail time. In addition to this, your record is tainted, and you may face social issues that may spread to your personal relationships. Today, many employers carry out background checks, and a sex offense record can dim your chances of getting employed. If you have been charged with a prostitution charge, you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney to represent you.

Bronx Prostitution Laws

Under the New York Penal Code, prostitution is referred to as engaging in any sexual activity in exchange for money or other gifts. New York issues harsher penalties when compared to other States. For instance, any exchange of sexual activity is punishable regardless of whether sexual penetration took place. Furthermore, an attempted exchange is still punishable. It does not matter if the exchange was successful or not. An attempt is treated with the same severity as engaging in the act. Other prostitution charges may include promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, permitting prostitution, solicitation of a prostitute and patronizing a prostitute.

As a first time conviction, the offender faces punishment under a Class B misdemeanor. Upon conviction, one may face up to 3 months of jail time. In such a situation, a Bronx prostitution defense lawyer can help you contest these accusations and seek a lesser penalty.

If a person is charged with knowingly profiting from prostitution or compelling someone into prostitution, they are charged under a class C felony. This is punishable with minimum jail time of 6 years and the time in prison can go up to 15 years.

Legal Defenses against Prostitution

Prostitution cases often have different variables. Defense lawyers will first examine the facts and the merits of the case before deciding on the best approach. It is best to seek the expertise of a lawyer sooner rather than later. This will give them ample time to examine your case and come up with the best defenses. When preparing for a legal protection, the lawyer will analyze all the facts and examine any witness testimonies. The defense team will also look into the actions of the accused and any extenuating circumstances. These variables will inform the legal defense strategy. Possible defenses may include:

DEFENSE TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Todd Spodek

Lead Attorney & Founder

Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.

NY Bar Admitted Multi-State Licensed Federal Courts

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Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

You were arrested in the Bronx after an undercover officer posing as a sex worker approached your vehicle and you allegedly agreed to pay for sexual services. You now face a Penal Law § 230.04 patronizing a person for prostitution charge and are terrified about having a criminal record that follows you for life.

Can I fight this charge if I never actually exchanged money or engaged in any sexual act with the undercover officer?

Attorney's Answer

Under New York Penal Law § 230.04, patronizing a person for prostitution is a class B misdemeanor that requires proof you agreed to pay a fee in exchange for sexual conduct — but the prosecution must establish that agreement beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced Bronx defense attorney can challenge the arresting officer's account, argue entrapment under Penal Law § 40.05 if the officer initiated and encouraged the conduct, or dispute that your words constituted a clear agreement. In many cases, first-time offenders may be eligible for an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD) under Criminal Procedure Law § 170.55, which can result in the charge being sealed after six months. Acting quickly with skilled legal counsel gives you the strongest chance of protecting your record and avoiding the lasting consequences of a conviction.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

Insufficient Evidence

One of the most common legal defense strategies is to challenge the accuracy and validity of the evidence presented. For a successful conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond any reasonable doubt that one engaged in, agreed to participate in or solicited prostitution. If the available evidence is not sufficient to substantiate these claims, then a charge cannot be made. If there is no record or evidence of an agreement to practice prostitution with the exchange of money, then the charge cannot hold.

Entrapment