It is often said that prostitution is “the world’s oldest profession.” It existed long before our time and continues today as a fairly common offense that people find themselves facing. But in today’s world of digital interactions and online anonymity, prostitution laws can be interpreted and enforced in difference capacities.
In Florida, the criminal penalties for solicitation or prostitution are about as strict as they’ve ever been. But the means of tracking such behaviors or building a case against a person facing these charges are more advanced. Instead of just setting up stings at a purported site known for prostitution, police are tracking down alleged violators through Internet interactions and online postings.
These tactics can be extremely sophisticated and complex, especially if the alleged illegal behaviors involve minors. It can be wise to have legal support in the defense against the charges, as a conviction can be ruinous to a person’s life, future, career, family and reputation, no matter what the charges may be.
Prostitution and solicitation charges can affect a number of people. Like other types of criminal behaviors, police are often quite determined to arrest and charge as many as people as possible when it comes to these types of situations. According to Florida prostitution laws, these people include:
- The person accused of engaging in sexual activity for hire
- The person accused of purchasing these services
- People involved in convincing someone to engage in prostitution
- Anyone who allows these activities to take place in a home or building they own
- A person accused of hiring or persuading a person to participate in prostitution
It should be understood that the penalties for a criminal conviction can be very severe. Even a first-time offense can result in jail time and hundreds of dollars in fines. Subsequent convictions increase these penalties, as will a conviction involving a person under the age of 18.
There are ways to defend against these charges and to potentially minimize the exposure to and impact of harsh punishment. In order to better understand these options, people in this situation may want to discuss their individual circumstances with an attorney.