Columbia Prostitution Lawyer
While prostitution is allowed under some circumstances in the state of Nevada, it is illegal in Columbia, Missouri. State law defines the criminal offense of prostitution as engaging in or offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for something of value to be received by any person.
The penalty for committing the criminal offense of prostitution can range from 6 months in jail to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, depending upon the facts of the case. Aside from lengthy prison sentences, prostitution is a sex crime and could land a sex offense on your permanent record. If the case involved a minor or there is an element of sexual assault, you may have to register as a sex offender.
If you were charged with this offense, you should get in touch with a Columbia prostitution lawyer as soon as possible. A dedicated sex crimes attorney could help you develop a defense strategy.
What is Considered Promoting Prostitution in Columbia?
Additionally, Missouri law penalizes the offense of promoting prostitution, which is defined under Missouri law as any one of the following acts:
- Causing or aiding a person to commit or engage in prostitution;
- Procuring or soliciting patrons for prostitution;
- Providing persons or premises for prostitution purposes
- Operating or assisting in the operation of a house of prostitution or a prostitution business or enterprise;
- Accepting or receiving or agreeing to accept or receive something of value pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any person whereby he or she participates or is to participate in proceeds of prostitution activity;
- Engaging in any conduct designed to institute, aid, or facilitate an act or enterprise of prostitution;
- Managing, supervising, controlling or owning, either alone or in association with others, a house of prostitution or a prostitution business or enterprise involving prostitution activity by two or more prostitutes;
- Promoting prostitution of a minor;
- Compelling a person to enter into, engage in, or remain in prostitution.
The range of punishment for the offense of promoting prostitution can be from 1 to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. If you are facing criminal charges related to the promotion of prostitution, not only are you facing lengthy prison sentences that jeopardize your freedom, your reputation, and financial security are on the line, too. Criminal charges related to sex crimes carry more stigma than any other type of crime—you do not want your reputation tarnished with a sex crime. This is why it is important to seek legal counsel when facing prostitution charges.
Call a Columbia Prostitution Attorney Today
If you are charged with a criminal offense linked to prostitution, give us a call today for help. These types of charges can potentially put a sex offense on your permanent record. Given the gravity of these charges, you cannot afford to wait to start your defense. It is important to have a lawyer who is on your side.
If you feel as though you have been charged with a crime linked to prostitution because you are trapped and having problems in your personal life, we can work together to find solutions to help you! These types of cases often stem from physically and/or emotionally abusive relationships. Contact a Columbia prostitution lawyer today to chat about the circumstances of your case.