Howard County Prostitution Lawyer
If you are accused of any type of prostitution crime in or around Howard County, our Howard County prostitution lawyers can help. Such charges are inherently personal and can leave you feeling a broad spectrum of emotions. Our attorneys understand the sensitive nature of your situation and are here to provide the support and counsel necessary to get you through this difficult time. Contact a prostitution attorney in Howard County as soon as possible.
Our criminal defense attorneys also provide representation to those individuals who are facing solicitation charges in Howard County. Call our law offices today to learn more.
Working with a Prostitution Lawyer in Howard County
Effective criminal defense of both misdemeanors and felonies depends on the circumstances and details of each case. Outside of downtown urban areas, prostitution crimes are often the target of special investigations and sting operations. In any of these situations, it’s important to have Howard County prostitution lawyer present before and during all legal matters so that he or she may advise you of your rights and help you to enact the most effective defense possible, given the details of your case.
Prostitution in Maryland
The following definitions and statute summaries of Maryland prostitution and solicitation laws can give you a better sense of the different types of prostitution-related crimes as they are charged and prosecuted under Maryland law. A Howard County prostitution lawyer can explain the legal nuances of these terms and how they apply to your particular situation.
Prostitution: Any sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse performed in exchange for compensation (usually money, but potentially anything of value, such as drugs) is considered prostitution.
Solicitation: Any person who encourages, requests, advises, persuades, induces, urges, or commands another person to commit any sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse performed in exchange for compensation is considered prostitution.
Human Trafficking: Human trafficking has replaced the category of prostitution crime that used to be called “pandering” and is more commonly known as “pimping.” This change is in recognition of a recent shift in focus that considers many sex crimes and prostitution crimes to be part of a larger social problem that exploits vulnerable persons, particularly women and children. As such, human trafficking is now considered the most serious prostitution crime and carries harsher penalties.
Potential Penalties
In Maryland, prostitution crimes carry serious penalties, each carrying the potential for jail time and a permanent criminal record.
Prostitution: A person found guilty of prostitution faces up to one year in jail and up to $500 in fines.
Solicitation: A person found guilty of solicitation faces conviction to up to one year in jail and up to $500 in fines.
Human Trafficking: A person found guilty of human trafficking faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. There are also comparable federal laws dealing with human trafficking.
Contacting a Howard County Prostitution Lawyer
If you have been charged with a prostitution-related offense in Howard County or its surrounding area, contact a Howard County prostitution lawyer today for a consultation on your case. The Maryland prostitution attorneys with our firm have experience defending clients accused of prostitution. As a result, we’re sensitive to the needs of individuals in your position and can advise you in your time of need.