At Sanders & Nettles, our Columbia SC sex crime defense lawyers aggressively defend the rights of our clients who are facing prostitution and solicitation charges throughout the State of South Carolina. Like other sex offenses, the punishments for prostitution are very harsh, which is why it is so important that you hire experienced legal representation. If you are facing prostitution related charges in South Carolina, contact Sanders & Nettles immediately for a free consultation.
Prostitution is engaging in sexual acts or intercourse with another person for money or compensation. It is illegal in South Carolina, and if arrested you may be facing serious criminal charges. Charges relating to exchanging money for sex can be brought against both the prostitute and the customer who is soliciting the alleged prostitute.
Section 16-15-90 of the S.C. Code of Laws refers to Prostitution; lewdness, assignation and prostitution generally, and states that:
"It shall be unlawful to:
(1) Engage in prostitution;
(2) Aid or abet prostitution knowingly;
(3) Procure or solicit for the purpose of prostitution"
Solicitation is a crime that occurs when a person pays money or offers incentive for sex. If you have been arrested for solicitation in South Carolina, you may be convicted of a sex crime and face severe consequences, including:
- Fines
- Probation
- Rehabilitation
- Possible imprisonment
Section 16-15-110 of the S.C. Code of Laws refers to Prostitution violations, and states that:
"Any person violating any provision of Sections 16-15-90 and 16-15-100 must, upon conviction, be punished as follows:
(1) for the first offense, a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or confinement in prison for a period of not more than thirty days;
(2) for the second offense, a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or imprisonment for not exceeding six months, or both;
(3) for the third or any subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding three thousand dollars or imprisonment for not less than one year, or both."
In order to catch people hiring prostitutes, law enforcement may set up "sting" operations using hidden cameras or surveillance. If you are caught in a situation like this, it is embarrassing and can damage your personal life. Having an experienced Charleston South Carolina prostitution defense lawyer on your side can help alleviate some of the feelings of vulnerability and help protect you from a sex crime conviction.