Phoenix Prostitution Defense Attorney

Prostitution Charges in Arizona 

In the state of Arizona, a person can be convicted of prostitution if he or she knowingly offers sexual services for something of value, like money. This is per A.R.S. §13-3211, §13-3214, and Phoenix City Code §23-52.

Have you been charged with prostitution? If so, it’s important that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today to learn more about the possible punishments for this crime as well as your defense options. 

Punishments For A Prostitution Conviction In Arizona

Fortunately, prostitution in the state of Arizona is not a felony offense. It is, however, a class one misdemeanor, meaning it does come with the possibility of having to spend a significant amount of time behind bars. The punishment for a conviction of prostitution in Arizona comes with:

• A mandatory minimum of at least 15 days in jail
• A maximum of six months in jail

You may also have to pay a $2,500 fine; this fine comes with an 84% surcharge. And there is also a chance that you may be given three years of probation. As part of your probation, you will likely have to take part in classes and counseling.

If you have already been convicted of a prostitution charge in Arizona, then the mandatory minimum that comes along with your second conviction increases to 30 days minimum in jail.

If this is your third offense, it goes up to 60 days minimum in jail. And if you have already had three prior convictions of the same offense, then your fourth conviction will result in a minimum of six months in jail. It should also be noted that as a fourth offense, then the charge is classified as a class five felony in Arizona. The minimum punishment is six months, but it can extend up to 2.5 years in prison. 

Defense Options For Prostitution Charges

As you can see, the punishment for prostitution convictions in Arizona can be quite severe. No one wants to spend a day behind bars, much less two and half years in prison. This is why you need to contact our reputable law firm today to learn more about the possible defenses that can be used in your case. Our goal is to have your charges dismissed. If we can’t get them dismissed, we at least want to get them lowered. And we also want to provide mitigating reasons to the judge as to why you should not have to spend any time in jail or prison.

Through our experience in handling cases involving prostitution, we have come to see that one of the strongest forms of defense is entrapment. This takes place when an undercover officer performs certain actions that entice the defendant to commit the offense. Had it not been for the actions of the officer, the person would not have ordinarily committed the offense.

Here is an example of entrapment. An undercover police officer takes it upon himself to obtain the services offered by a private dancer or escort. During the time period in which the services are being rendered, the officer offers a large amount of money to the dancer or escort to engage in a sexual act. If it had not been for the officer waving around a large amount of cash, the dancer or escort would not have otherwise committed the offense.