Were you arrested and charged with prostitution or a similar offense in Cincinnati, Ohio? The consequences of a conviction could impact your future freedom, potentially even requiring you to register as a sex offender. However, there’s likely still time to protect your rights and offer an effective defense.
Suhre & Associates is a well-regarded criminal defense law firm that can help you each step of the way. Our prostitution lawyers in Cincinnati, OH, have more than 100 years of combined experience, and we’ve been able to help clients overcome some of the most serious criminal charges on the books.
We are available 24/7 to take your call at (513) 333-0014. Call today to set up a free consultation, where we can review your case and offer you helpful legal advice.
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How Suhre & Associates, LLC Can Help if You’re Facing Prostitution Charges in Cincinnati
Prostitution and other related charges are taken seriously in the State of Ohio. A conviction can result in substantial jail time, fines, and other penalties imposed by the criminal justice system. However, the consequences don’t stop there. As just one example, it can be much more difficult to obtain housing and employment with a felony on your criminal record.
With this much on the line, you’ll want an experienced Cincinnati sex crimes lawyer to represent you throughout the process. Look no further than Suhre & Associates. Our legal team includes former prosecutors and police offers, giving us a distinct advantage in understanding how to fight back against the charges you’re up against. We can help with your defense by:
- Conducting a thorough internal investigation into your charges as well as the prosecution’s case and evidence against you
- Evaluating your legal options and determining your best course of action
- Negotiating with the prosecution to have your charges either dismissed or reduced, if possible
- Protecting your constitutional and statutory rights at all times
- Bringing your case all the way to a jury trial if the circumstances call for it
Contact us today if you’d like to begin creating an attorney-client relationship. Your initial case review is free of charge, and there aren’t any strings attached.
Prostitution Laws in Ohio
There are many prostitution-related offenses in the State of Ohio, some of which are felonies. Below is a brief description of some of the most prominent charges in this area of the law.
Prostitution
Prostitution itself is illegal under Section 2907.25 of the Ohio Revised Code. Under this law, no person may engage in sexual activity for hire. By default, this is a third-degree misdemeanor offense. However, it may be charged as a felony if the accused knowingly tested positive for HIV.
Soliciting
Soliciting a prostitute is a crime per Section 2907.24 of the Ohio Revised Code. Per this section, it is illegal to solicit another person to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for anything of value. This is also a third-degree misdemeanor offense by default that may be charged as a felony after a positive HIV test.
Compelling prostitution
Compelling prostitution is made a crime under Section 2907.21 of the Ohio Revised Code. Under this section, a person may not compel another person to engage in sexual activity for hire. This is a third-degree felony offense by default but may be charged more severely if a minor is involved.
Promoting prostitution
Promoting prostitution is illegal per Section 2907.22 of the Ohio Revised Code. This section makes it a crime to:
- Establish, maintain, operate, manage, supervise, control, or have an interest in a brothel or similar enterprise
- Supervise, manage, or control the activities of a prostitute
- Transport or cause a person to be transported for the purposes of prostitution
- Incur or procure another person to engage in sexual activity for hire
This offense is charged as a fourth-degree felony by default, though it can be assessed as a third-degree felony instead if certain conditions are present.
What Are the Penalties of a Prostitution Conviction in Cincinnati, Ohio?
In Ohio, there are five degrees of felonies and misdemeanors. A first-degree felony or misdemeanor is the most severe charge, and a fifth-degree is the least severe. The penalties you will be assessed if convicted of prostitution will depend on various circumstances, such as:
- Which offense(s) you’ve been charged with
- Whether you have a prior criminal record
- Whether any aggravating factors are present
At the low end of the charges mentioned above, a third-degree misdemeanor conviction can result in up to 60 days in jail as well as a $500 fine. On the high end, the penalties for a third-degree felony are as many as 3 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against My Prostitution Charges in Ohio?
Many possible defenses are available to raise against prostitution charges in Cincinnati, Ohio. The prosecution must prove every legal element of your offense “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is the strictest burden of proof standard in the law. Potential defenses include:
- You were entrapped by law enforcement
- Your constitutional rights were violated
- You did not engage in any sexual activity
- You have an alibi for the alleged incident
- It was a case of mistaken identity
At Suhre & Associates, we don’t take a “one size fits all” approach to our criminal defense strategy. Instead, we’ll treat your case with the utmost importance, dedicating the necessary resources and attention it deserves. Our goal will be to formulate the defense or defenses best suited to the facts and circumstances of your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Cincinnati Prostitution Defense Lawyer
Were you charged with prostitution or a related type of crime in Cincinnati, Ohio? Reach out to the trusted criminal defense attorneys with Suhre & Associates. We’re passionate about making sure the rights of the accused are upheld at all times. We strongly believe in the notion that every person is innocent until proven guilty and that everyone deserves effective legal representation.
Contact us today by calling (513) 333-0014. There’s still time to get your freedom back.
