Have you Been Charged with Prostitution in Georgia?
Prostitution is a crime in every state, but the definition of it can differ state to state. It is important to hire an Attorney that is knowledgeable in criminal law and knows the intricacies of the law. Lawson and Berry and their team of Georgia Prostitution Lawyers have over 25 years of experience in criminal law. A charge is not the same as a conviction so use their experience to your advantage! Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Georgia Law O.C.G.A. §16-6-9 reads as follows:
A person commits the crime of prostitution when he or she performs or offers or consents to perform a sexual act, including but not limited to sexual intercourse or sodomy, for money or other items of value.
Georgia Courts have found that the person does not have to accept money to commit the offense of prostitution nor actually consummate the transaction to commit the crime. Instead, to commit the offense, the person need only offer to perform sexual intercourse for money. Allen v. State, 170 Ga. App. 96, (1984).
Georgia Case Law
One case where a woman was found guilty of prostitution is Renz v. State. 183 Ga. App. 108, (1987). In that case, defendant admitted that was a part of an escort service and that she modeled lingerie for her customers. However, she denied that she performed sexual acts for money. However, the Court found there was sufficient evidence to convict her of prostitution as they found two of her former clients who testified that she charged them for sexual acts. Therefore, she was convicted of prostitution.
Penalty for a Prostitution Conviction
A person convicted of prostitution in Georgia will be guilty of a misdemeanor. In Georgia, misdemeanor convictions come with a punishment of jail time up to one year, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
If the offense was committed within 1,000 feet of any school building, school grounds, public place of worship, or playground or recreation center which is used primarily by persons under 17 years of age then the person will also be fined $2,500.00.
Defenses to Prostitution in Georgia
No sexual act was offered: Any evidence that the conversation did not lead to an offer for sexual acts would be beneficial. Notify one of our Attorneys immediately if this applies to you.
There are a plethora of defenses that could apply in your case. However, your best defense starts by calling one of our prostitution lawyers in Georgia. They will investigate your situation and advise you on the strongest arguments in your case.
What are Not Defenses
The act was never committed, and no money was accepted: Georgia law does not require that the suspect accepts money or complete the act to be convicted of prostitution. It will be enough if the evidence demonstrates that services were offered in exchange for money or other items of value.
Contact Us
Our office of experienced Georgia Prostitution Attorneys is here for you 24/7. Don't wait to contact us because your future is at stake. We believe that you shouldn't have to wait until the next business day to receive an answer to your questions. That is why we are open on nights, weekends, and holidays. Our Georgia Sex Crime Lawyers are here to walk you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
