South Carolina Prostitution Lawyer
Defending Against a Sex Crime Conviction in Lexington, SC
Prostitution is a sexual offense in South Carolina that is looked down upon by almost all of society. Generally defined, prostitution is the payment of money for a sexual act. Prostitution is illegal both for the prostitute and the customer. City, county, and state law enforcement throughout South Carolina run prostitution stings in order to manufacture arrests for this serious offense.
Pursuant to S.C. Code §16-15-110 the South Carolina legislature has set forth penalties for prostitution violations. For a first offense, the penalty is up to 30 days in jail and/or a heavy fine. A second offense can cost the individual up to six months in jail and/or an even heavier fine. For a third offense, there is a possible minimum penalty of one year in prison and/or a fine.
Being arrested for prostitution can be a life altering event. Immediately your freedom, employment, and family relationships are put at risk. Many times people are embarrassed or don't know where to turn for legal help, and learn that not consulting with a Lexington criminal defense lawyer was a mistake.
Is Prostitution a Felony or Misdemeanor in South Carolina?
Prostitution can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. For a first offense, penalties include a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both. This increases to a fine of up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both; for second offenses. And for third and subsequent offenses, penalties include a fine of up to $3,000, a year (or more) in prison, or both.
Attentive Legal Assistance
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we represent individuals charged with either solicitation or engagement of prostitution in Lexington, Columbia and other South Carolina communities. We listen to your case and help develop a strategy to get you through your case. Often times, there are potential issues in the way that law enforcement conducted the investigation or arrest which may or should have an impact on how a case proceeds in court.
Potential issues may include:
- Entrapment - Did the police illegally entice or set up someone for the charge of prostitution?
- Miranda - Did the police properly advise someone of their legal rights at the proper time?
- Mere Presence - Was our client arrested simply for being present where prostitution occurs?
As a criminal offense, anyone convicted of prostitution or solicitation will face a publicly available criminal record. In addition to the legal defenses that may be available, there may be available programs that defendants can do as an alternative to a trial or a guilty / no contest plea. We can discuss all available options with our clients. At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we represent individuals charged with prostitution and related criminal offenses. Initial appointments are provided on a confidential and no-cost basis. We defend those who are charged with prostitution and help them fight for their freedom.
If you have been charged and need a sex crime defense lawyer, you should contact a Lexington criminal attorney at (803) 359-3301 before your court date.
