There are few decisions in life as important as choosing the right criminal defense attorney. Call Adam Stout for a free consultation. While often called "the world's oldest profession," prostitution is illegal in Florida, and both those offering and receiving services are subject to penalties. Thus, it's critical to get legal help quickly if you're accused of prostitution or soliciting prostitution. Florida law defines prostitution as the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.
Sexual relations between spouses are specifically excluded in this definition. Prostitution charges vary with the circumstances of the crime: While first-time offenses involving adult participants are considered second-degree misdemeanors, prostitution involving a minor anyone under 18 is a first-degree felony that can result in life imprisonment.
Moreover, prostitution charges, especially those involving minors, may be combined with other charges, such as kidnapping, sexual assault, battery, or child pornography. This makes it especially critical that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the start.
Deriving financial benefit from prostitutionβeven if one does not directly participate in it β is also a crime under Florida law. Thus, pimps and operators of brothels or illicit massage parlors are subject to charges for deriving support for prostitution. For such charges to hold, the prosecution must prove that prostitution took place with the defendant's knowledge, and the defendant shared in the earnings from acts of prostitution.
Procuring a minor anyone under 18 years of age for prostitution or causing a minor to engage in prostitution is a serious crime in Florida, even with the minor's consent. It is treated as a second-degree felony and can lead to prison sentences up to 15 years, along with hefty fines. Penalties for repeat offenders may be even harsher. Engaging in prostitution of a child is considered an especially grave offense. These penalties can be compounded by those for related charges, such as sexual battery or kidnapping.
