Minneapolis Prostitution Lawyer

Legal Guidance for Solicitation and Prostitution Allegations

The consequences of convictions related to prostitution charges are serious and not something a person can afford to handle alone. Before sharing any information regarding your case after an arrest involving soliciting, alleged prostitution, or a related offense, talk to a Minneapolis sex crime defense attorney. Putting legal issues into our hands is prioritizing your freedom and future.

Are you facing solicitation or prostitution charges in Minnesota? Speak with a Minneapolis prostitution lawyer to protect your future. Call Brockton D. Hunter P.A. at (612) 979-1112 or contact us online today!

What Is Prostitution?

Most people instantly associate prostitution with streetwalkers on a red-light street. Still, the underlying law on criminal prostitution is broad enough to include many sexual activities with an offer for cash, not only the sale of sexual contact. Prostitution involves transactions made to provide not only the person’s physical body but also those made for the satisfaction of another’s sexual inclinations.

In Minneapolis, prostitution offenses are generally broken down into two categories: engaging in prostitution and soliciting prostitution. These offenses can apply to both the individuals offering or performing sexual services and those attempting to purchase such services. Understanding these categories helps to discern the specific charges you may face and to prepare a robust and thoughtful defense.

Understanding the broad legal definition of prostitution in Minneapolis can empower individuals to be aware of potential liabilities and help them seek appropriate legal counsel before situations escalate to formal charges. It's essential to recognize the nuances of these charges and how the courts might perceive them.

Engaging in Prostitution (Minnesota Statutes § 609.324)

Engaging in prostitution refers to the act of offering or engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money, goods, or services. Under Minnesota law, individuals who engage in prostitution may face both criminal penalties and the stigma of a criminal record.

Soliciting Prostitution (Minnesota Statutes § 609.324)

Soliciting prostitution refers to the act of requesting, attempting to purchase, or paying for sexual services. This can include attempting to meet with a prostitute, advertising the services of a prostitute, or exchanging money in return for sexual acts. This charge can apply to individuals who are caught in the act or those suspected of attempting to solicit prostitution.

The consequences of these charges involve felony charges when a person has a past conviction for sex-related offenses or one or more customer connections.

Due to the seriousness of these charges, legal defense on your behalf is crucial for any misconduct. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we promise to deliver our best for each case we take. We use our expertise, understanding, and trial experience to file a significant challenge to any evidence the prosecution presents.

Criminal Penalties for Prostitution Offenses in Minnesota

Prostitution offenses are generally classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies, depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the accused has a prior criminal history. The potential penalties for a prostitution conviction can vary but may include:

• Misdemeanor Charge: A conviction for engaging in prostitution or soliciting prostitution as a misdemeanor can result in up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Even this offense can have significant social consequences, affecting future employment opportunities and personal relationships.
• Gross Misdemeanor Charge: If the individual has a prior conviction for prostitution-related offenses or if the offense occurred near a school or place of worship, the charge may be upgraded to a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor conviction may result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both. These enhanced charges demand a proactive defense strategy to avoid long-term ramifications.
• Felony Charge: Prostitution-related offenses may be elevated to felony charges under certain conditions, such as if the accused has multiple prior convictions for prostitution offenses or if the case involves minors (whether the accused is engaging with a minor or participating in child prostitution). Felony convictions can lead to significant prison time and extensive fines and necessitate immediate legal consultation to mitigate the severity of potential sentences.

In addition to the immediate penalties, individuals convicted of prostitution offenses in Minnesota may face long-term consequences. A criminal conviction can create barriers to employment, housing, and education and even impact one's reputation and social relationships. Lifelong repercussions highlight the importance of seeking a robust defense to defend one's rights and maintain one's prospects.

Human Trafficking & Prostitution

One of the more serious aspects of prostitution-related charges in Minneapolis is the issue of human trafficking. Minnesota has implemented strict laws against human trafficking, and if your case involves human trafficking—whether as a perpetrator or an alleged victim—the legal consequences can be severe.

Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes of sexual exploitation or labor. If you are accused of engaging in prostitution or soliciting prostitution in connection with human trafficking, you may face heightened charges, including felony-level penalties and lengthy prison sentences. Understanding how state and federal laws interact in these situations can be complex, requiring detailed attention from a seasoned attorney to effectively navigate the legal landscape.

It’s crucial for individuals accused in such cases to understand the severity of the charges and seek immediate legal guidance. This area of law is continuously evolving, and having an informed perspective on the latest legal defenses could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Child Prostitution

While minors can be physically or mentally involved in prostitution, the term child prostitution involves situations where parents/guardians/sellers bear the financial burden of a gift or transaction in a trade where a minor offers sexual services and may also include the creation of child pornography.

Child prostitution cases are severe and are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted at both state and federal levels in Minnesota. Most offenders charged with these offenses may come under federal jurisdiction. Many U.S. citizens and those transporting minors from different countries to Minnesota are charged with child prostitution. Given these circumstances, if you have been charged with a crime involving child trafficking, we will immediately put our skills, experience, and understanding to advocate on your behalf. Our approach is rooted in thorough research and strategic challenges to the prosecution's evidence, ensuring that your side is robustly presented.

Understanding the scope of charges related to child prostitution is critical. Navigating these challenging situations requires keen legal insight and a commitment to obtaining the best possible outcomes, guided by empathy and a thorough understanding of the law.

Defenses Against Prostitution Charges

These are some common defenses to prostitution charges in Minnesota:

• Top Hat Argument: This focuses on challenging the circumstantial evidence and how the law is applied to your case.
• Mistaken Evaluation by the Police: This defense addresses potential errors in identifying suspects or analyzing behaviors incorrectly categorized as prostitution.
• The Reality of Misunderstanding on Escort Services: There can often be a thin line between legal escort services and the illegal solicitation of prostitution, and misunderstandings can lead to wrongful charges.
• Entrapment: When law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not otherwise commit, this becomes a viable defense.
• Lack of Evidence or Intent: Both components are critical for prosecution, and if neither can be firmly established, it can lead to dropped charges or reduced sentencing.

Our legal knowledge has also drawn nationwide attention, with appearances on national networks reviewing major crimes. We bring thorough investigation and an eye for detail to create a defense strategy tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. We prioritize both your immediate legal needs and the long-term implications of any charges faced, ensuring every perspective is considered when building your defense.

Sealing or Expunging a Prostitution Conviction

Having a prostitution conviction on your record can have lasting consequences, but there may be options for sealing or expunging your criminal record in some instances. In Minnesota, individuals who have been convicted of a prostitution-related offense may be eligible for expungement, which is the legal process of sealing a criminal record. This can help prevent future employers or landlords from discovering the conviction and give you a fresh start.

Expungement eligibility depends on various factors, including the type of offense committed, the time since the conviction, and whether you have completed all court-ordered requirements, such as probation or counseling. A skilled Minneapolis prostitution attorney can assess your case and determine if expungement is viable. The possibility of expungement allows individuals who have learned from their past to move forward without a criminal record, offering a renewed opportunity to integrate positively with their communities.

Exploring expungement, therefore, requires navigating the technical channels of the legal system and understanding the broader life implications of carrying a criminal conviction. Knowledgeable legal assistance can facilitate this transition, helping to effectively achieve a clean slate.

How Prostitution Cases Are Handled in Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, prostitution cases are often handled within a specialized legal framework that considers both local laws and the broader implications of each case. Prosecutors in Hennepin County, where Minneapolis is located, take prostitution charges seriously and work closely with law enforcement to address these offenses. This collaboration often involves coordinated stings and surveillance activities to reduce solicitation and related crimes.

Due to the complexity and sensitivity of prostitution cases, defendants must have knowledgeable legal representation and be familiar with the local court system. Brockton D. Hunter P.A. offers a strategic defense tailored to the intricacies of Minnesota law, focusing on challenging evidence and advocating for client's rights at every step. We understand the local judicial processes and leverage our continuous interaction with the Minneapolis legal community to achieve favorable client outcomes.

Community Resources & Support Networks

Minneapolis provides various community resources and support networks that can be invaluable to individuals facing prostitution charges. Local organizations offer counseling and support services aimed at helping individuals regain control of their lives and avoid future legal challenges. These support systems often work in tandem with legal defenses to advocate for treatment over punishment, particularly for cases involving first-time offenders or those coerced into prostitution.

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we encourage an approach that includes community engagement, ensuring that our clients benefit from resources that promote rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By combining our robust legal defense with the city’s supportive infrastructure, we strive to reduce the stigma associated with prostitution charges and open up pathways for future success.

Aggressively Fighting to Clear an Individual’s Name

We have fought for both men and women charged with solicitation, as well as many accused of offering sexual services for money. In many cases, the police set up stings, often in regions well known as places vulnerable to encounters between those providing services and those buying. Each scenario presents unique challenges and requires a tailored defense to address the specific details of evidence and alleged conduct.

Our top priority is to protect our clients’ interests no matter the case and to deliver nothing less than our most knowledgeable and committed legal defense, regardless of the circumstances. We will take it to trial and communicate with all available options for dismissal if dismissal is in your best interests. Our approach is strategic, analytical, and determined, aiming to dissect prosecution strategies while upholding the principles of justice.

Please call our office for a free meeting to discuss your circumstances in confidence and to begin the process of managing your case. Understanding the gravity of these charges and ensuring you have a proactive defense can make all the difference in safeguarding your future.

Don't face the consequences alone. Contact a dedicated Minneapolis prostitution lawyer now for a confidential case evaluation!