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Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers > Dunwoody Prostitution Lawyer

Dunwoody Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution is one of the most complex areas of criminal law in Georgia, and conviction for prostitution has the potential to affect a person for the rest of their life. If you or someone you know has been accused of committing prostitution in Georgia, you need an knowledgeable Georgia Dunwoody prostitution lawyer on the case who has experience successfully defending clients against these allegations. At Hawkins Spizman, our highly rated legal professionals in our Dunwoody office are here to defend and protect your rights. To learn more, call or contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

How the State of Georgia Defines Prostitution

The simple act of offering, even without performing, a sexual act for compensation is considered prostitution under §16-6-9. In order to convict a defendant of prostitution, the prosecution needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant performed or offered to perform a sexual act, “including sexual intercourse or sodomy, for money or other items of value.” As such, the defendant does not need to be offered cash or money at all for the act to be considered prostitution. The statute is somewhat vague when it comes to defining “items of value,” and there is no specific minimum value attached to this definition. In fact, many sex workers end up performing sexual acts simply for food, shelter, narcotics, or other items.

Penalties for Prostitution

If someone is convicted for engaging in prostitution in Georgia, the penalties are severe. Even with nonprofit organizations and the legislature working hard to reduce the number of sex crimes in the state, Georgia has some of the strictest penalties for a prostitution conviction in the country. Penalties for prostitution can include the following:

  • Fines up to $1000
  • Jail term up to one year
  • Misdemeanor criminal record
  • Registration on the sex offender registry
  • Probation, and more.

Being placed on the sex offender registry significantly alters a person’s life. They are banned from living in certain areas and traveling to certain places. It shows up on any background check for jobs, school, and housing, and the stigma can follow you for the rest of your life. To learn more about how a criminal defense attorney can help, call or contact our office today.

Types of Prostitution Offenses

A defendant does not need to be the party offering or providing the sexual act in order to be charged with a prostitution offense. The following acts are illegal in Georgia, and are considered prostitution under Georgia state law (in addition to the prostitution offense, offenders can also be accused of pimping, pandering, or maintainting a place of prostitution):

  • Pandering—Bringing parties together to engage in prostitution.
  • Solicitation—This occurs when a third party (a “john”) asks another party to perform a sexual act in exchange for payment.
  • Masturbation for hire—Offering to perform masturbation for payment.
  • Pimping—Receiving a prostitute’s earnings. A defendant commits the act of pimping when they provide transportation for the purpose of facilitating prostitution, locate a prostitute for another party, arrange a meeting with a prostitute, or directs or conducts prostitution.
  • Operating a place of prostitution—Overseeing a property in which prostitution occurs.
  • Massage—Giving a massage in a place of prostitution.

Talk to Hawkins Spizman Today

You and those you know do not have to let the stigma of a prostitution charge affect the rest of your life. If you would like to speak with a knowledgeable Georgia criminal defense attorney about your case, call the office or contact us today at Hawkins Spizman to schedule a free consultation.

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