Arizona Prostitution Arrest Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defense Attorneys in Phoenix Defend Allegations of Prostitution

Prostitution has always been a controversial subject in any setting, and it’s no different in Arizona. Unfortunately for defendants, public policy and pressure has demanded that those who are convicted of any crime related to prostitution be subject to stiff penalties, and the state legislature has complied with this pressure by doing so. Therefore, if you find yourself the subject of an investigation for prostitution, you need the help of an Arizona criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Below you’ll find information regarding the different charges that could relate to prostitution in Arizona, the penalties that could attach to a conviction for a prostitution charge in Arizona, the stigma that could attach to a convicted defendant and finally how you should proceed if you or someone you love is facing prosecution for this or any related charge in Arizona.

Arizona Prostitution Crimes

The Arizona statutes lay out several different crimes that would fall under the heading of prostitution, and a brief description of each appears below.

Enticement - It is illegal for a person to entice another person into a house of prostitution for the purpose of exchanging money or valuable consideration for sexual acts.

Procurement - It is a felony in Arizona to either place a person into a house of prostitution for the purpose of engaging in such acts or to obtain carnal relations with another person under false pretenses.

Receiving Earnings of a Prostitute - On the street, this is known as ‘pimping’, and it’s basically the crime of accepting money that was earned by a prostitute. Committing this crime is a felony.

Causing Spouse to Become a Prostitute - This is an age-old crime that’s been committed since the beginning of history. In Arizona, it’s a felony if the defendant is convicted.

Taking a Child for the Purpose of Prostitution - If anyone removes a child from his or her guardian in order to have that child become a prostitute, the defendant would be guilty of a felony. If the child is younger than 15, a conviction would be classified as a Class 2 felony.

Detention in a House of Prostitution - If a defendant is convicted of forcing a person to remain in a house of prostitution for the purpose of repaying a debt or for any other purpose is guilty of a felony if convicted.

Maintaining a House of Prostitution - Anyone who maintains and manages a house of prostitution would face the penalties associated with a Class 5 felony if convicted.

Pandering - Pandering is any act that compels, convinces or encourages another person to engage in a life of prostitution, and a conviction of this crime is classified as a Class 5 felony.

Transporting for the Purpose of Prostitution - If someone transports another person through the state for the purpose of engaging in prostitution is guilty of a Class 5 felony if convicted.

Child Prostitution - Forcing or coercing a child to engage in prostitution is a serious felony, and one that involves mandatory minimum sentences if the defendant is convicted. This is especially so if the child is under 15 years of age.

Penalties for a Prostitution Convictions in Arizona

• 15 consecutive days in jail for first offense
• 30 consecutive days in jail for second offense
• 60 consecutive days in jail for third offense
• 180 consecutive days in jail for fourth or subsequent offense

As you’ve seen above, some crimes above are classified as felonies. However, the act of prostitution itself or soliciting prostitution is a misdemeanor, and the following are the potential sentences for a conviction:

However, the more serious offenses listed above carry significant prison terms if convicted, and these convictions can range from one year in prison to 21 years for the most severe offense of child prostitution, even for a first offense. In short, this is not a charge to take lightly, as the penalties and sanctions can be severe.

Why You Need an Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being convicted of a prostitution charge is something that will stay with a person for a long time. Not only will that convicted defendant have to disclose that he or she has been convicted of either a misdemeanor or a felony in such situations as on job or school applications, but the convicted defendant will also usually need to explain the situation.

No one wants to face this scenario. If you or someone you love faces a prostitution charge in Arizona, contact the Arizona criminal defense lawyers at the Hock Law Group today to schedule an initial consultation.