Engaging in Prostitution
Many prostitution, importuning, procuring or solicitation charges result from elaborate stings throughout Ohio. These operations, conducted by Ohio law enforcement, target adult entertainment clubs, massage parlors, escort services and other adult establishments. Prostitution or solicitation charges can result in severe penalties and repercussions, including jail or prison sentences, possible sex offender registration requirements, a criminal record and fines.
Columbus Engaging in Prostitution Attorney
If you have been charged with a prostitution or soliciting offense in the Columbus, Ohio area, contact the Joslyn Law Firm to discuss the facts of your case. Brian Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm is an experienced Columbus prostitution attorney and will make every effort to fight the allegations against you. Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a free consultation today about your alleged prostitution offense in Franklin County and the surrounding areas of Ohio.
Solicitation and Prostitution Under Ohio Law
Compelling Prostitution – Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.21: An individual may be charged with this offense if they knowingly committed any of the following acts:
- Compelled another person to engage in sexual activity for hire;
- Induced, procured, encouraged, solicited, requested or otherwise facilitated a minor or someone the alleged offender believed to be a minor to engage in sexual activity for hire;
- Paid or agreed to pay a minor, or someone the alleged offender believed to be a minor, so the minor would engage in sexual activity, whether or not the alleged offender knew the actual age of the minor;
- Paid a minor, or someone the alleged offender believed to be a minor, for having engaged in sexual activity, whether or not the alleged offender knew the age of the minor; OR
- Allowed a minor, or someone the alleged offender believed to be a minor, to engage in sexual activity for hire if the alleged offender is a parent, guardian or custodian of the minor child.
Promoting Prostitution – Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.22: No person shall knowingly:
- Establish, maintain, operate, manage, supervise, control or have an interest in a brothel,
- Supervise, manage or control the activities of a prostitute engaging in sexual activity for hire;
- Bring another person into or out of Ohio for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity for hire; or
- Induce or procure another person to engage in sexual activity for hire
Penalties for Prostitution in Ohio
Compelling prostitution is generally a felony of the third degree, which can lead to a prison sentence from one to five years and/or fines not more than $10,000.
If the person compelled to engage in prostitution is 16 but less than 18 years old, the offense is punishable as a felony of the second degree, which can result in a prison sentence from two to eight years and/or fines not more than $15,000.
If the person compelled to engage in prostitution is less than 16 years old, the offense is punishable as a felony of the first degree, which can lead to a prison sentence from three to ten years and/or fines up to $20,000.
Promoting prostitution is a felony of the fourth degree, which can result in prison terms from six months to 18 months and/or fines not more than $5,000.
If the person who services are promoted is a minor, the offense is a felony of the third degree, which can lead to a prison term from one to five years and/or fines not more than $10,000.
If the alleged offender was also charged with human trafficking for either compelling or promoting prostitution, they will receive a mandatory prison sentence and be required to pay restitution.
Joslyn Law Firm | Columbus Prostitution Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with prostitution or solicitation in Franklin County and the surrounding counties, including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio, contact Brian Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm to discuss the facts of your particular case. Brian Joslyn will make every effort to help you find applicable defenses or mitigating factors to your situation to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a free consultation about your prostitution or solicitation charges with a knowledgeable Columbus sexual crime attorney in Ohio.
