Prostitution Defense Lawyers St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, Missouri Prostitution Defense Lawyer

Being charged with prostitution in Missouri is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences on your life. Whether you are facing accusations of solicitation, loitering, or any related offense, the stigma alone can be damaging. A conviction could lead to severe penalties, including jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record, which can impact your ability to find employment, secure housing, and maintain personal relationships.

Types of Prostitution-Related Charges in Missouri

Missouri law encompasses a range of offenses related to prostitution, each carrying its own set of legal challenges and potential penalties. At Combs Waterkotte, we have extensive experience defending clients against prostitution-related charges listed in Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 567:

• Prostitution — RSMo §567.020

In Missouri, "Prostitution" is defined as offering or agreeing to engage in sexual contact in exchange from something of value. It is a class B misdemeanor, unless the person accused of prostitution knew they were infected with HIV, in which case it's a class B felony.

If you're found guilty of or plead guilty to the class B misdemeanor, the judge is allowed to order a drug and alcohol abuse treatment program. Upon successful completion of the program, the judge may reverse the verdict or allow you to withdraw your guilty plea.

• Patronizing Prostitution — RSMo §567.030

Patronizing prostitution refers to when someone gives, agrees to give, or requests to give another person something of value in exchange for sexual conduct.

It is a class B misdemeanor, unless the other person was between the ages of 15-17 years old, in which case it's a class E felony. It is a class D felony if the person is 14 or younger.

• Promoting Prostitution First Degree: RSMo §567.050; Second Degree: RSMo §567.060; Third Degree: RSMo §567.070

Promoting prostitution in the first degree is a class B felony. First degree includes:

• Compelling a person to enter into or remain in prostitution
• Promoting prostitution of someone under 16
• Using, attempting to use, or conspiring to use a computer or internet service to promote the prostitution of another person

"Compelling" refers to:

• Forcible compulsion
• Giving someone drugs or alcohol so they cannot control or understand their behavior
• Withholding drugs from a drug addict

Second degree promoting prostitution means owning or controlling a "house of prostitution" or having a "prostitution business" with two or more prostitutes, or promoting prostitution of someone 16 or 17 years of age. It is a class D felony.

Third degree promoting prostitution is a class E felony and includes:

• Helping or causing someone to engage in prostitution
• Finding customers for prostitution
• Providing people or places for prostitution
• Running or helping run a prostitution business or brothel
• Accepting or agreeing to accept money or something valuable in exchange for being involved in the profits from prostitution
• Doing anything that helps start or support a prostitution business
• Promoting Travel for Prostitution — RSMo §567.085

Promoting travel for prostitution means that a person is committing a crime if they knowingly sell or offer to sell travel services that include or make it easier for someone to travel with the intent of engaging in prostitution. It is a class D felony.

• Offering Travel for Purpose of Prostitution — RSMo §567.089

No travel agency or charter tour operator is allowed to sell, advertise, or offer travel services, tourism packages, or activities that promote, encourage, or make it easier for someone to travel for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

If a travel agency or charter tour operator violates this rule, the secretary of state will revoke their business license. The secretary of state can also freeze their bank accounts as part of the legal process.

• Persistent Prostitution Offender — RSMo §567.110

Any person who the state can prove has engaged in prostitution or patronizing prostitution persistently. It is a class E felony.

Each of these charges requires a strategic defense approach tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, our St. Louis prostitution defense attorneys have the expertise to handle even the most complex prostitution-related cases, ensuring that every possible avenue of defense is explored.

Punishments for Prostitution Charges in St. Louis and Missouri

Prostitution-related charges in Missouri carry significant legal consequences that can alter the course of your life. Depending on the nature of the offense and any prior criminal history, penalties can range from misdemeanors to felonies, each with its own set of severe repercussions.

• Jail or Prison Time: Convictions for prostitution-related offenses can result in jail sentences ranging from a few days to several years, especially for repeat offenses or more serious charges like human trafficking or child prostitution.
• Fines: Individuals convicted of prostitution-related offenses may be subject to substantial fines, which can add a significant financial burden on top of the criminal penalties.
• Probation: In some cases, individuals may be sentenced to probation instead of jail time. However, probation typically comes with strict conditions, including regular check-ins with a probation officer, participation in counseling or community service, and avoiding any further legal trouble.
• Sex Offender Registration: Certain prostitution-related convictions, particularly those involving minors or trafficking, require mandatory registration as a sex offender. This registration can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life, affecting where you can live, work, and travel.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can be a major barrier to future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. It can also damage personal relationships and social standing.
• Impact on Professional Licenses: For individuals holding professional licenses, a conviction for a prostitution-related offense can lead to the suspension or revocation of those licenses, jeopardizing careers in fields such as healthcare, education, and law.
• Reputation Damage: Even an accusation of involvement in prostitution can lead to significant damage to your reputation, affecting your personal and professional relationships.

Sentencing Guidelines for Prostitution Charges in Missouri

Depending on your charge and the specifics of your case, under Missouri's sentencing guidelines, a conviction can lead to:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Class E Felony: Up to four years in prison.
• Class D Felony: Up to seven years in prison.
• Class B Felony: A minimum of five years and up to 15 years in prison.

At Combs Waterkotte, our St. Louis prostitution defense lawyers understand the gravity of these consequences and are committed to providing a robust defense to minimize the impact on your life. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to challenge the prosecution’s case, negotiate favorable plea deals, or secure dismissals and acquittals whenever possible.

Defenses Against Prostitution Charges in St. Louis

When facing prostitution charges in Missouri, having a skilled prostitution defense attorney can make all the difference in protecting your future. The St. Louis criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are well-versed in the complexities of these cases and employ a range of strategic defenses to protect our clients' rights and freedom. Some of the most effective defenses against prostitution charges include:

• Entrapment: In cases where law enforcement officers induce an individual to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed, a defense of entrapment may be applicable. This occurs when undercover officers or informants push a person into engaging in prostitution through persistent or coercive tactics.
• Lack of Intent: For a charge of prostitution or solicitation to stand, the prosecution usually needs to demonstrate intent. If it can be demonstrated that the accused did not intend to engage in the alleged illegal activity, this could be a strong defense. For example, misunderstandings or miscommunication during an encounter may negate the element of intent.
• Insufficient Evidence: Prostitution cases often rely heavily on circumstantial evidence or the testimony of witnesses. Combs Waterkotte's prostitution defense lawyers in St. Louis are adept at challenging the sufficiency and reliability of this evidence, whether it involves questioning the credibility of witnesses or highlighting gaps in the prosecution’s case.
• Mistaken Identity: In situations where the accused is wrongfully identified as the individual involved in prostitution, your defense can be based on mistaken identity. This may involve presenting alibi evidence, challenging eyewitness testimony, or showing discrepancies in the prosecution's identification process.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest—such as conducting an illegal search or seizure, or failing to provide Miranda warnings—any evidence obtained as a result of these violations may be inadmissible in court. This could lead to a reduction in charges or even a dismissal of the case.
• Duress or Coercion: In cases where an individual is forced into prostitution against their will, either through threats, violence, or manipulation, a defense based on duress or coercion may be applicable. This defense highlights the lack of voluntary participation in the alleged crime.

At Combs Waterkotte, we meticulously examine every aspect of the case to identify the best possible defense strategy. Our St. Louis prostitution defense lawyers are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and achieving the most favorable outcomes, whether through negotiation, litigation, or dismissal of charges.