How to Secure Expungement for Prostitution Charges?

Title 18, Section 5902 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes defines prostitution as illegal and a criminal offense. So, if you happen to face charges, you might be looking at-

• Potential imprisonment
• A permanent criminal record
• Fines

However, worse than that, such charges can seriously damage your reputation, devastating your professional and personal life!

But what if you were wrongfully accused, or were trapped into prostitution charges? Does the law have an exception for such cases?

Well, yes of course! Not just that, but an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can also help you secure an expungement from such heinous charges. So, let’s find out more details about such incidents from this blog, and understand why hiring a professional legal counsel is necessary in such situations.

Charges and Penalties for Prostitution

The penalties for prostitution and related offenses vary widely based on the charges being levied against you and the specific circumstances of the case, like-

Solicitation

Solicitation refers to the practice of seeking sexual services for money. However, if you’re being offered the same, it is also categorized under solicitation.

For a first-time offender, solicitation becomes a third-degree misdemeanor. You’ll be facing a one-year imprisonment, along with fines up to $2,500.

Patronizing prostitution

You might be charged with patronizing a prostitute if you’re caught hiring someone to engage in sexual activity. Not just that, but if you’re found staying, or entering a prostitution house, it might also be regarded as patronizing.

First- or second-time offenders are usually charged with a third-degree misdemeanor in such cases. Penalties include a one-year imprisonment, along with fines. Subsequent offenses, however, can attract severe charges like misdemeanor of the second and first degrees, which include fines of $5,000 and $10,000, respectively, with increased jail times.

Promoting prostitution

If you happen to operate a brothel or are engaged in soliciting clients, you may face this charge. Now, this is a more serious charge than the above two, and can lead to a third-degree felony charge, which includes seven years of prison time, and a $15,000 fine!

Human trafficking

Above all comes human trafficking charges, which happens to be the most serious charge of all. Such charges are usually classified as felonies with a seven-year incarceration and a hefty fine of $15,000.

But What if You Were Wrongfully Accused?

Owing to the serious nature of the crime, even wrongful accusations can take a toll on your life. That’s why hiring a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer becomes crucial to save you from the degrading consequences.

At Logue Law Group, we investigate a case right from its roots to make sure that we leave no stone unturned and get our client the best outcome. Here are a few grounds we take to defend you against prostitution charges-

Lack of evidence: This is one of the greatest factors that has been our core defense strategy against prostitution charges. Insufficient evidence means there is no tangible proof of our client’s wrongdoing, and therefore, such cases might qualify for a dismissal.

Entrapment: Sometimes, law enforcement engages in sting operations, which are basically entrapments. If you’re induced to commit a crime in such a situation, which you would not have committed otherwise, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers can use this as a strong defense statement, which might lead to expungement of your charges.

Confusion/ mistaken identity: The law enforcement might also mistake your identity for that of the accused and charge you wrongfully. If that’s the case, our experienced lawyers can present evidence to help prove your innocence.

Coercion: If you were being forced or coerced into engaging in prostitution or related activities, we can use that as a valid defense strategy.

Prostitution charges are complicated, and they can get worse if not taken care of at the right time. So, if you, or someone you love, is facing such charges, don’t hesitate and seek counsel from an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer today. Our expert lawyers at Logue Law Group are well-versed in the complexities of such cases and can definitely help reduce, dismiss, or expunge the charges and save your reputation effectively!

Trying to reach out to us? Just place a call at 412-387-6901 and book a free consultation with our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers ASAP.