Nonviolent sex offenses

Prostitution, solicitation, pandering and pimping may be considered either felonies or misdemeanors in most states. Prostitution is defined as a person receiving payment for sexual intercourse or other sexual act. Pimping is defined as soliciting acts of prostitution or pandering on behalf of another. Although frequently a misdemeanor, it is typically a crime to hire a prostitute to perform sexual acts for payment.

A prostitution charge may be the result of an team effort of vice officers setting up female decoys to attract males and get them to agree to sex acts for a price in a prostitution sting operation. Many men caught in this situation have no prior record, want to keep the matter secret, and do not want to go to trial to avoid potentially adverse effects on their marriage, family and employment. If you have been caught in a prostitution sting operation, you must obtain a lawyer to evaluate your interaction with undercover officers to determine if an entrapment defense might be successful for you or if you should plead to a lesser charge.

Lewd acts, lascivious conduct and indecent exposure may be charged as a misdemeanor in most states. These crimes may also involve pornography, engaging in sexual acts in a public place, or exposing the genitals in a public place.

Indecent exposure is a more serious offense than prostitution and can potentially be charged as a felony, which may require long-term registration as a sex offender or psychological treatment in some states. In these cases, a defense attorney, if contacted promptly, may interview all prosecution witnesses and other witnesses that may help in your defense. If your case cannot be defended, your lawyer might be able to arrange for psychological treatment instead of jail time.

Even nonviolent sex offenses carry the possibility of serious penalties and life-changing requirements, such as psychological treatment or registration requirements. If you are facing any of these sex crimes, you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney who is compassionate about your situation and will work hard to achieve the best results for you, whether that is a dismissal, an acquittal, a plea bargain, or alternative sentencing.