In Maryland prostitution is common but it is by no means legal. There are various types of sex crimes, and yes prostitution is a sex crime, than can constitute prostitution in Maryland. These are assignation, pandering, pimping, prostituting oneself, solicitation of prostitution, sex trafficking of children and human trafficking. Maryland prostitution laws are incredibly strict and the mandatory minimum penalties and sentences are severe. A conviction for violating any Maryland prostitution laws is very serious, very expensive and very damaging to many areas of your life. If you are facing prostitution charges of any kind in Maryland you need effective legal representation.
To arrange a free case review with our Maryland sex crime lawyers defending prostitution charges click here. Rockville, MD sex crime defense attorney Michael Taylor will do everything necessary to protect your rights, reputation and freedom. He serves the Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County areas.
Maryland Mandatory Minimum Sentences For Prostitution
According to Maryland Criminal Code Section § 11-306 and other applicable laws the following penalties may be imposed:
Penalties in Maryland are typically described in the statute describing the offense. The penalties for the crimes above include:
- House of Prostitution, prostitution, assignation (solicitation), or operating or renting to a brothel is a misdemeanor subject to up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $500.
- Sale of a minor is a misdemeanor with a punishment maximum of 5 years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each violation.
- Receiving the earnings of a prostitute is a misdemeanor that can receive up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
- Abducting a child under 16 for prostitution can be punished by a maximum of 25 years in prison and a fine not more than $5,000.
- Most human trafficking charges are misdemeanors subject to up to 10 years in prison or a fine up to $5,000. However, for victims who are minors or for forcing, threatening, coercing individuals to marry or perform sexual acts, the charge is a felony with a maximum of 25 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
In Maryland felonies and misdemeanors with terms of imprisonment can usually be prosecuted at any time, meaning crimes you committed years ago can come back to haunt you. Also, conviction of some of these offenses will require you to register as a sex offender. Tier II (25 year registration period) offenses include: abduction of a child for prostitution, human trafficking, sexual solicitation of a minor, and house of prostitution. Tier III or lifetime registration can be required for the sale of a minor.
Defending Assignation, Prostitution & Solicitation Of A Prostitute Charges In Maryland
One of the biggest concerns in prostitution, assignation and sex crime cases is beating the charges. This is possible in some cases and it is not possible in others. As prostitution charges can be misdemeanors or felonies the level of charge you are facing that has a lot to do with the ultimate outcome of your case. Prior criminal history and other charges you are facing also play a role in what ha`ppens with your case.
Defenses such as innocence, lack of intent, lack of knowledge, or lack of any necessary element to a crime above could be a useful strategy in a Maryland prostitution-related case. Having said that in some cases the statutes dictate any possible defenses. For instance, the human trafficking statute specifically states not knowing the age of the victim is not a defense. Much like how consent or not knowing the child’s true age often isn’t a defense in juvenile sex crimes such as statutory rape.
Call A MD Defense Lawyer Who Knows Maryland Prostitution Laws
No matter what type of prostitution, sex crime or criminal charges you would do well to contact Rockville Prostitution Defense Attorney Michael Taylor for a free case review.
With an office near the courthouse in Rockville Mr. Taylor serves the Annapolis, Bethesda, Bowie, College Park, Frederick, Glen Burnie, Laurel, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Upper Marlboro and Wheaton, MD areas.
