Engaging In Prostitution
There are multiple sex crimes prosecuted under Ohio law related to prostitution. The crime of engaging in prostitution involves either an implicit or explicit agreement to provide sexual activity in exchange for anything of value. The payment can be paid directly to the person engaging in the sexual activity, to a person trafficking the individual engaging in sexual activity, or to any person associated with either individual.
The crime of engaging in prostitution prohibits individuals from recklessly inducing, enticing, or procuring another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for anything of value provided by the receiving party.
This crime specifically aims to punish those who engage in sex work, not those who pay for sex. Those who pay for sex may be found guilty of solicitation and/or loitering to engage in solicitation. Similarly, this offense does not apply to those who promote prostitution, compel prostitution, entice others to patronize a prostitute, or traffic human beings for the purposes of prostitution. Those crimes are distinct, and such charges are brought against others involved in prostitution in capacities beyond sex work itself.
Ohio Engaging in Prostitution Attorney
If you or someone you know has been charged with engaging in prostitution in Ohio, you could face serious penalties such as time in jail, probation, fines, and community service hours. To discuss what options may be available to get your prostitution or solicitation charge dismissed or reduced, speak with Joslyn Law Firm today. Our attorneys will help you reach a favorable solution to your case.
Provide yourself with the best possible chance of freedom with the help of a practiced criminal defense attorney. Call (513) 399-6289 to schedule a free consultation today with Joslyn Law Firm. Joslyn Law Firm serves the greater Cincinnati area including nearby counties such as Hamilton County, Butler County, Warren County, Brown County, and Clermont County.
Information Center
- Penalties for Engaging in Prostitution
- Statute Of Limitations
- Defenses for Engaging in Prostitution
- Additional Resources
Penalties for Engaging in Prostitution
The crime of engaging in prostitution is graded as a misdemeanor of the first degree. Generally speaking, crimes graded as misdemeanors of the first degree are punishable in Ohio by a jail sentence of no more than 180 days and a fine of no more than $1,000. However, the crime of engaging in prostitution also carries a mandatory sentence aimed at preventing the offender from engaging in this criminal activity again. Additionally, those convicted of this offense may be required to pay a fine of up to $1,500 instead of the customary $1,000 imposed for misdemeanors of the first degree.
It is worth noting that the criminalization of sex work remains a controversial topic. Perhaps as a result of strong advocacy work on behalf of those who seek to keep sex workers safe instead of punishing them, other prostitution-related crimes prosecuted in Ohio generally carry heftier penalties than those imposed on sex workers.
Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations for engaging in prostitution is two years from the date of the alleged offense. Someone cannot be charged with engaging in prostitution if the statute of limitations period stemming from the date of the alleged offense has run.
Defenses for Engaging in Prostitution
The entrapment of sex workers is not an uncommon occurrence. Those accused of engaging in prostitution may be able to get their charges dismissed if they can prove that a law enforcement officer coerced, threatened, or otherwise inspired them to commit the offense.
Additionally, it is not uncommon for individuals to be arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution before any sexual act has occurred. While the elements of this crime make this scenario both possible and actionable, a successful defense may be raised if the arresting officer lacked probable cause before they took the alleged offender into custody. Unless an explicit offer to engage in prostitution was made by the alleged offender and that offer was documented in some way, a successful defense for “lack of probable cause” may potentially be raised.
All Americans are afforded due process rights. If these rights are violated, the underlying offenses of which they have been accused may potentially be dropped. For example, if a law enforcement officer engages in outrageous conduct during the course of a sting operation, the alleged offender may be able to raise a due process violation defense. An all-too-common example of such outrageous conduct occurs when law enforcement officers engage in sexual conduct and then arrest the individual with whom they just shared intimacies. Other due process rights violations may involve unlawful search and seizure actions or holding a person accused of engaging in prostitution in a “false imprisonment” scenario.
Additional Resources
HER Cincinnati – Provides women with resources designed to break cycles of poverty, addiction, and human trafficking.
Resource Guide for Sex Workers – This guide, provided by the SexWorkers Project, lists hotlines, legal referral services, and other resources that sex workers who are struggling may find to be helpful.
Children of the Night – Provides services, including tutoring via Zoom, for young people who have engaged in prostitution.
HIPS.org – Offers services aimed at advancing the dignity and health rights of individuals impacted by sex work and drug use.
Veronica’s Voice – Offers up to two years of housing, outreach, education, and services for women who have engaged in prostitution.
Ohio Engaging in Prostitution Lawyer | Joslyn Law Firm
If you have been arrested for engaging in prostitution, speak to Cincinnati prostitution lawyers at Joslyn Law Firm. We are experienced sex crime attorneys who are dedicated to helping individuals accused of prostitution reach a favorable conclusion to their case. Allow us to use our years of experience in criminal law to your benefit.
To schedule your first consultation with Joslyn Law Firm at (513) 399-6289. Joslyn Law Firm serves clients in Franklin County, Madison County, Pickaway County, Union County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, and Licking County.
