Prostitution and solicitation are serious crimes in Indiana. A conviction can result in imprisonment, fines, and placement on the national sex offender registry. The attorneys of Banks & Brower LLC believe you deserve to have your side of the story heard. Our attorneys will listen without judgment and will bring their 80 years of combined legal experience to bear on your case. You can reach us anytime of the day or night and an expert attorney will be ready to help you. Our attorneys have a proven track record of results for our clients. Get the attorneys who will protect your rights when you are accused of prostitution or solicitation.
Indiana Laws Regarding Prostitution or Solicitation
While related, the laws for prostitution and solicitation are separate. Prostitution involves knowingly committing a sexual act, or offering to commit a sexual act with another, in exchange for money or property. Solicitation, known as patronizing a prostitute, is knowingly paying or offering to pay someone for a sexual act. Any sexual act can create a charge of prostitution or solicitation from intercourse to simply fondling of genitals.
If the prostitute is a sex trafficking victim, the person charged with patronizing a prostitute may be charged with promoting human trafficking as well. This offense can be charged with a more serious level 5 felony.
Should the prostitute be under the age of 16, the solicitation charge may also involve a sexual misconduct charge which may range from a level 5 felony, up to a level 1 felony depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for prostitution or solicitation can range from less than 1 to 6 years incarceration with fines up to $10,000.
Additionally, should the solicitation involve an underage prostitute, you may also be placed on the national sex offender registry which can have life-long consequences for your career, reputation, and result in your name and address being made available to the public as a sex offender.
What to Do If Charged with Prostitution or Solicitation
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accusation of prostitution or solicitation. Do not discuss your case with the police or anyone else until you have had an opportunity to consult with your attorney. This will protect your rights and ensure that you do not inadvertently incriminate yourself. You have the right not to provide incriminating information against yourself, by remaining silent you guard that right until an attorney can help you determine how to provide information in a way that does not violate your rights.
Do not voluntarily allow a search of your property or surrender evidence such as a phone or laptop to the investigators. Investigators may encourage you to allow such a search and you may even be told that it will help your case. Remember, the police are not looking out for your interests, but are attempting to prosecute their case.
Even if you believe you are guilty, there may be facts in the case you are unaware of that lessen or eliminate your guilt. By consulting an attorney before accepting any plea bargains, you give your attorney the best opportunity to protect your rights and help you get fair treatment. Your attorney may be able to help you plead down to a lesser charge, which can result in a less serious charge on your record as well as a possibly less stigmatizing conviction.
The attorneys of Banks & Brower LLC will protect your rights and have the experience necessary to defend you against charges. The law entitles you to legal representation, you have the power to choose to have an experienced, proven attorney to represent you.
