South Carolina Prostitution Law
Lexington Criminal Solicitation Defense

Prostitution is a criminal offense in South Carolina. Generally defined prostitution is the payment of money for a sexual act. Prostitution is illegal both for the prostitute and the customer (or "John"). 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 the following criminal penalties for violations of our prostitution law:

• For a first offense up to thirty days in jail and/or a fine
• For a second offense up to six months in jail and/or a fine
• For a third offense a possible minimum 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 lawyer was a mistake.

At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we represent those charged with either solicitation or engagement of prostitution. 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?
Mere Presence - Was our client arrested simply for being present where law enforcement thinks prostitution is likely to occur?

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 discuss all available options with our clients.

As a South Carolina Criminal Defense Law Firm we also represent clients charged with other sexually based offenses including lewd act on a minor, computer pornography,  online criminal solicitation of a minor and criminal sexual conduct.

Contact a Columbia Prostitution Defense Attorney Today

At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, located in Lexington, South Carolina, we represent individuals charged with prostitution and related criminal offenses. If you have been charged you should consult with an attorney before your Court date. Initial appointments are provided on a confidential and no-cost basis. To schedule your meeting call us anytime at 1-866-252-5789. We defendant prostitution charges in all South Carolina cities including Columbia, Charleston Greenville and Rock Hill.