Prostitution is considered a criminal act in Florida. There are a variety of complex laws surrounding sex crimes in the state, and it’s imperative that you know them in order to better protect yourself. Fort Walton Beach prostitution laws are strict, so facing charges can be daunting. A Fort Walton Beach prostitution lawyer can help.
Jay Patel Attorney at Law has over a decade of experience practicing law in Florida. With experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer, he brings a well-rounded perspective to the table and can develop a personalized legal strategy to help you through your case.
Prostitution is generally treated as a minor offense in Florida, and arrest rates have declined significantly over the last two and a half decades. Still, Florida law criminalizes the act with statutes aimed at prostitutes, buyers, and distributors.
You can expect penalties to increase with every new offense on your record, but even your first conviction can seriously impact your life. Prostitution is a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, a first-degree misdemeanor for a second offense, and a third-degree felony for any subsequent offenses. You can also be accused of solicitation, which carries slightly less severe penalties. Solicitation refers to simply requesting or offering sexual favors, whereas prostitution involves actually performing them. Facing charges like these is serious, and a Fort Walton Beach Misdemeanor Lawyer can help explain your rights and potential defenses under Florida law.
It’s critical to understand Fort Walton Beach prostitution laws to know what to expect out of your upcoming case. Every prostitution case is unique, depending on the details of the incident. It’s wise to hire a prostitution lawyer to educate you on the process and help you devise the right legal strategy to defend against your charges.
Whether you’re charged with offering sexual favors in exchange for money or you were caught paying for these types of services, you can count on our team to be there to help you navigate your charges and build a solid defense strategy. Working with our Sex Crimes Lawyer can provide experienced insight into protecting your rights and options.
Jay Patel is a Former Prosecutor and a Former Law Enforcement Officer with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida is the 26th largest state by area and is home to over 21,500,000 people. Our job at Jay Patel Attorney at Law is to help keep our communities safe, including those who are facing criminal charges.
Jay Patel Attorney at Law has been handling prostitution cases throughout Fort Walton Beach and beyond for years. He started as a prosecutor handling cases in Okaloosa and Walton Counties and has prosecuted thousands of misdemeanors and felonies before a jury, a judge, and the appellate court.
As of 2017, he shifted his focus to criminal defense, helping those who have to go up against Florida laws. We understand what’s at stake in prostitution cases and know how to defend against these types of charges. Whether it’s your first offense or you’re dealing with a repeat charge, you can count on our team to be by your side to get you through your case.
Prostitution and solicitation are separate charges under Florida’s law, but the two terms are closely related to one another. Prostitution involves physically engaging in sexual activities for compensation. Solicitation, on the other hand, simply refers to the act itself, requesting it, or agreeing to engage in the act. Solicitation typically carries a lighter sentence than prostitution, though a conviction for either can lead to hefty fines, jail time, and a criminal record.
Prostitution is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida for a first offense. Second-degree misdemeanors typically carry a possible sentence of up to 60 days in prison. A second violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree, which can lead to up to one year of imprisonment.
Any subsequent convictions are third-degree felonies, which carry a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years. Talk to a Fort Walton Beach prostitution attorney to learn about ways to potentially reduce your sentence.
You do not have to hire a prostitution lawyer if you’re facing charges in Fort Walton Beach, but it’s highly recommended that you do. When you hire a prostitution lawyer, you can rest assured you’re building the strongest defense against your charges based on professional legal knowledge.
Your Fort Walton Beach prostitution lawyer can launch their own investigation into the prosecution, negotiate plea deals on your behalf, and provide the aggressive representation you deserve in court.
It is possible that all involved parties may get in trouble in a prostitution case in Fort Walton Beach. Florida law defines prostitution as giving or receiving sexual acts in exchange for money, which means you can be charged if you were the party requesting sexual favors or performing them. This includes anyone in charge of the person selling services or anyone who profits from their actions. Charges can vary depending on the level of involvement.
Facing charges for prostitution in Florida is serious. It’s imperative that you understand the nature of your charges and know how to build a strong defense to fight through your case. These cases often move quickly. That’s why early legal intervention is so important. It can make a significant difference in preserving your rights and limiting possible penalties.
The good news is you don’t have to go through this process on your own. A Fort Walton Beach prostitution lawyer can build a cohesive legal strategy tailored to your specific case. As a former prosecutor and deputy sheriff, Jay Patel can help you understand and navigate every step in the legal process.
We understand that your worst moment doesn’t define you, and we’re ready to fight for you to make sure this chapter won’t impact the rest of your life. If you’re ready to fight charges with confidence, set up an appointment with a trusted attorney today.
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