Prostitution is sometimes called the oldest profession or oldest occupation. A female prostitute is called a hooker, whore, or ho. A male prostitute is called a gigolo. They can both be called as a streetwalker, sex worker, or escort. Customers or clients are sometimes called Janes if female or Johns if male.
Women posting sex ads online in Virginia are more likely be met by a cop instead of a customer. Law enforcement says they have seen an uptick in prostitution at area hotels and are increasingly using stings to target them.
A typical sting involves a police officer posing as a potential “John,” or client and engaging the target in conversation with the intent of enticing the target into offering sex in exchange for money. The target is often then arrested at the point when money is exchanged. It should be noted that though actual exchange of money does not have to take place for a prosecution to be successful in Virginia.
In Arlington, the activity is centered largely on hotels around Crystal City, Ballston, and Rosslyn. In Alexandria, most of the arrests occur at hotels along Interstate 395 and Route 1, which police said make it easy for prostitutes to travel south through Virginia into North Carolina or north into the district. Some women even list the nearby roads in their ads.
Engaging in sex in exchange for money or other goods of value is typically considered as criminal act. In Virginia, however, you can face criminal charges without sexual contact occurring. Due to the fact that courts treat offers for sexual favors for money with the same penalties as if the acts take place, sting operations are common in Virginia. Alternately, the attempt to persuade or entice another individual to engage in prostitution is considered solicitation. Again, you can be charged with solicitation even if no sex occurs. Prostitution as defined in Section 18.2-346 is a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries a potential penalty of up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.
Virginia Code Section 18.2-356 criminalizes “Pandering,” which is when a person receives money from a customer for obtaining a prostitute for the customer. A person could also be found guilty under this code section if they received money from the operator or owner of the “Bawdy Place” for recruiting the prostitute. Virginia Code Section 18.2-357 criminalizes “Pimping,” which is when a person receives money or a commission from the earnings of a prostitute.
The rules of evidence can be difficult to follow, but it is important to understand the type and amount of evidence that will be utilized by the prosecution. The strength of the evidence is the strength of the prosecution’s case. For most defendants, the counsel of a qualified defense attorney can help to make sense of the situation.
If you need the help of a solicitation of prostitution lawyer in Virginia in Fairfax, City of Fairfax, Prince William (Manassas), Fauquier (Warrenton), Loudoun (Leesburg), Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania (Fredericksburg), Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, Warren (Front Royal), Clarke, Shenandoah, King George, Charles City, Frederick (Winchester), Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hanover, Hopewell, James City, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Petersburg, Prince George, Rappahannock, York, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options.
The SRIS Law Group can help you best possible outcome based on the facts of your case. If you wish to consult an SRIS Law Group, P.C. solicitation of prostitution attorney in Virginia, call us at 855-696-3348.
