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Being accused of prostitution can have a significant impact on your reputation, but there are far worse consequences if convicted. Being found guilty of this offense can lead to jail time, fines, and even deportation for those who are not citizens of this country.
Fortunately, a Boulder prostitution lawyer may be able to help. You have the chance to fight these charges, and the right strategy could put you in the position to win at trial. Reach out to the compassionate defense attorney at Petrash Law today to learn more.
Prostitution is defined as the exchange of sex for money, services, or anything of value. This can include exchanging sex for things with an unclear value, such as illegal drugs. The law takes an expansive approach when it comes to determining if something is valuable in these cases.
It is important to note that someone can be charged with prostitution even when these transactions are not completed. Simply offering sex for money is enough to be convicted of prostitution, even if no money ever changes hands. Likewise, there is no requirement for any sexual encounter to occur for these charges to arise. That is why it is so important to have a Boulder prostitution lawyer to help you build a solid defense.
Prostitution is treated as a petty offense in Colorado, at least for first-time offenders. While this is a low-level charge, a conviction could still lead to $300 in fines and a maximum jail term of 10 days. A conviction could have other consequences, including impacting immigration status or making it impossible to secure a professional license.
Of course, someone only faces these penalties if they are found guilty. This is where the support of a prostitution attorney in Boulder is helpful. A lawyer could provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your case is in good hands.
Being charged with prostitution does not mean you are automatically guilty. Each case is unique, and the most effective defense will depend on the specific facts surrounding an arrest. A Boulder prostitution attorney could rely on the following defenses.
A prostitution charge requires proof that someone intended to exchange sex for money. If there was no clear agreement or the conversation was vague or misinterpreted, a lack of intent defense may apply. Mistakes and misunderstandings happen, and it is possible that the police could misread a situation entirely before making a completely unwarranted arrest.
Prostitution stings are common, and the arrests that result from them are generally lawful. However, an attorney could rely on the entrapment defense if law enforcement coerced someone into committing an offense that they would not have committed. This defense is especially relevant when undercover officers pressure a person into agreeing to a transaction that they would not have normally agreed to.
In some cases, there simply is not enough reliable evidence to support a conviction. The state has a high burden of proof they have to meet to secure a prostitution conviction, and a lawyer may be able to show a jury that they failed to do so.
There might also be a viable defense strategy if an attorney can show that constitutional rights were violated. This usually involves evidence that was obtained by the police through the use of an unlawful search or seizure.
If you have been charged with prostitution, building the strongest possible defense could help you keep your record clean. A Boulder prostitution lawyer could investigate the case and weigh the state’s evidence before determining the right way to respond. Reach out as soon as possible to discuss your defense during a private consultation.