Call us 24/7 for a Free Consultation

520-882-8823

Tucson Prostitution Defense Lawyer

Request Free Consultation

Se habla español

National Trial Lawyers Martindale Best Lawyers Badge Best Lawyers Standard Badge Super Lawyers
Smoking

Prostitution is illegal in all but a few counties across the United States. Though prostitution has been around for centuries, the government has been trying to regulate or put a stop to it. It has typically been tolerated in some regions of the city, known as “redlight districts,” to centralize the act and avoid it being so widespread.

Many argue that prostitution is a victimless crime, but the government criminalized prostitution to keep minors and women from being exploited. Prostitution laws also aim to protect public health and welfare from the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and associated forms of crime.

Prostitution charges can carry severe consequences in Tucson. If you have been charged with prostitution or solicitation, you need experienced legal counsel immediately. The criminal defense attorneys with Hernandez | Hamilton | Lamoureux, can help you with your prostitution case.

Arizona Prostitution and Solicitation Laws

Both prostitution and the solicitation of prostitution are illegal in Tucson and can carry severe criminal penalties if convicted. The following provides an overview of Arizona prostitution and solicitation laws, potential defenses, and what you should do if you are charged with one of these offenses.

Prostitution Under Arizona Law

According to Arizona law, prostitution involves engaging in, agreeing to, or offering to engage in sexual activity with another person in exchange for money, goods, or services. The actual act of prostitution does not need to take place, just the agreement or offer. 

Solicitation of Prostitution in Arizona

It is illegal under ARS § 13-3214 to solicit someone to engage in the act of prostitution. Solicitation involves luring, inducing, or enticing another person to commit prostitution. This means encouraging or asking another person to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money or other compensation. Solicitation also does not require the actual sexual act to take place, just the request or attempt to get another person to commit prostitution.

Tucson Penalties for Prostitution and Solicitation 

Under Tucson law, both solicitation of prostitutes and prostitution are Class 1 misdemeanors. Class 1 misdemeanors are the highest level of a misdemeanor in Arizona. If convicted of prostitution or solicitation, the potential penalties include: 

  • Six months or less in jail
  • Fines of $2,500 or less
  • Up to three years of probation 

Tucson law institutes a required minimum jail sentence for prostitution convictions:

Request Free Consultation

Se habla español

  • 1st offense: 15 days behind bars
  • 2nd offense: 30 days
  • 3rd offense: 60 days
  • 4th offense: 180 days

Approach to Prostitution and Solicitation Enforcement in Tucson

Pima County prosecutors and the Tucson Police Department take prostitution and solicitation offenses very seriously. The police department conducts undercover sting operations frequently to target both customers and sex workers. Tucson has made it a priority to enforce prostitution laws for many reasons:

  • To reduce the exploitation of sex workers and human trafficking 
  • Improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods with high prostitution rates
  • Attempt to limit the public health risks that correspond with prostitution 

The city of Tucson does try to provide support services to aid sex workers in leaving the industry, but they still aggressively prosecute anyone caught selling or buying sexual services. The Tucson Police Department and prosecutors generally do not provide much leniency for someone charged with prostitution or solicitation. 

Even for first-time offenders, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is strictly enforced. Having a criminal defense attorney with experience navigating the Tucson legal system is crucial if you are facing prostitution or solicitation charges. A lawyer may be aware of diversion programs or an alternative resolution that may mitigate the penalties of prostitution.

What Are Defenses in Solicitation and Prostitution Cases

The skilled criminal defense attorneys with Hernandez | Hamilton | Lamoureux, can build a strong case and discuss the potential legal defenses for your circumstances with you. These defenses could include:

  • Entrapment: This situation occurs when a member of law enforcement persuades you to commit a crime that, in other circumstances, you would not have committed. Entrapment could be an undercover police officer pestering you to agree to sex in exchange for money.
  • Lack of intent: The prosecution is required to prove you had an intention to engage in prostitution or solicit another person to do so. For instance, jokingly asking someone “how much?” may be misconstrued as true intent.
  • Illegal search: Evidence that was obtained via an unconstitutional search could be excluded.
  • Mistaken identity: If the police were investigating solicitation or prostitution, you could have been mistaken for another person.

A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will comb through the evidence and facts of the case to determine what defense is best.

What to Do When Charged with Prostitution or Solicitation 

If you have been arrested in Tucson in conjunction with prostitution or solicitation of prostitution, it’s wise to exercise your rights and remain silent. You should contact a defense attorney before speaking to law enforcement. A lawyer can advise you of all your legal rights, work to have charges reduced or dismissed, and defend your case in court if needed. 

Follow the advice of your attorney regarding the option to fight the prostitution charges at trial or attempt to negotiate a deal with the prosecution. Your attorney can also advise you on what additional options may be available to you, such as pre-trial diversion programs.

You should not negotiate with the police or prosecutors on your own. A lawyer can handle the process so your case ends with the best possible outcome.

Speak With a Tucson Prostitution Defense Lawyer for Help Today

If you have been charged with prostitution or solicitation of prostitution in Tucson, our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Hernandez | Hamilton | Lamoureux, are available to talk about the details of your case and work with you to create a solid defense against your charges. Our legal team will comb through all available evidence, carefully review eyewitness testimony and police reports, and work to create doubt in the prosecution’s case.
With the potential jail time faced by first-time offenders, it is critical to your case that you have legal counsel on your side from the very beginning. We will protect your legal rights and fight to have your charges lessened or dismissed. Contact us today using our secure online form to schedule a free consultation.

520-882-8823

Request a Consultation Today

Request a Consultation

Client Testimonials

Clay Hernandez and Josh Hamilton are some of the most competent Lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They are dedicated, hard working and honest! They are some of the top Lawyers in the legal community and you couldn't have a better legal team on your side!

Lacee

To say that Josh Hamilton saved my life would be an understatement. Facing an incredibly ugly situation, I shopped around for an attorney for a while until I came across Mr. Hamilton. From day one I knew I had found the representation I needed. Josh fought tooth and nail for me and got me the best outcome, considering the dire straits I was in. His staff is incredibly helpful and friendly and Josh's ability and knowledge of the law is second to none. I could not see myself facing a hell like this again with anyone else at my side. A simple "thank you" will never be enough for all that Josh and the staff of Hernandez and Hamilton did for me.

Ox Inator

If you need a criminal defense lawyer then Josh Hamilton is definitely your guy!! Not only is he beyond brilliant.. and amazing at what he does! But he is a very caring and compassionate person. I highly recommend him!! He worked very hard on my case and got it dropped!!

Racquel Vera

The absolute 100% best. I cannot stress how much I appreciate and how grateful i am for Josh and Carol. They took up my brothers case in 2018 and never left him since. Their work is excellent and speaks volume. The complexity of the case will have anybody fearful and doubtful but not them. Right from the start they maintained a positive vibe and their professionalism is exceptional. I am so happy i found them back when me and my sister in law were googling appellate lawyers. If i could hug them now i would. My brother was released two days ago and even though the case is not done i am pretty sure the end results will be a good one. God appointed the right lawyers and they are not in it for the money they truly are genuine in fighting for victory and they know what happened to my brothers were not right and they fought tooth and nail and for that i just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Grateful forever and ever!

King Black

I had a potential federal case come before me in my work environment. I called and they were so willing to work with me on getting into an in person consultation even though I was 2 hours away. We spoke on the phone, and then had a meeting I specifically spoke with Clay. He was knowledgeable and had a defense prepared before I even left the consultation. With everything still being in process, all I can tell you, based on my experience with him, he will fight until the end and he won't give up!

Cynthia Bass

Hernandez & Hamilton are top-notch attorneys. In hindsight I would NOT have considered hiring any other attorney to take care of my legal matters. Hernandez even traveled out of state to represent me over 2000 miles away, in Ohio, IN THE WINTER. :) Thank you for all you have done for me and my family!!!

Kari Turner

The best thing about this law office is their dedication. Josh never stopped working for us, never stopped believing that there would be a great outcome and even when it looked like all hope was lost, he kept working until we got the outcome we were looking for. I would recommend this office to anyone looking for an attorney. If they believe they can help, they will!!

Sarah Tecco

I contacted Mr. Hamilton regarding a case involving my brother. From the moment we spoke on the phone, he made feel like we were in the right hands. We discussed the case, went over the pro´s and con´s reaching a desicion to move fwd with the case. Mr. Hamilton is extremely well prepared and very knowledgagle. My brother got a very long punishment that was not justified and because of his commitment to the case and his great team effort, they got my brother a reduced sentence to time served. Now, thanks to Mr. Hamilton and his team, my brother is able to reunite with his three kids and his brothers. We are for ever thankful for your hard work and commitment. Thank you for believing in whats right! Blessings from our entire family.

Eghector

Josh Hamilton is top-notch: knowledgeable, accessible, hard-working and honest. No better lawyer in town.

Jeff Welter

I highly recommend Josh Hamilton to resolve your legal issues.The staff at Hernandez and Hamilton were very professional and friendly.Thank you Josh,Julie, Roni, and Olivia for everything that you all did for us. Have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year..

Gillbert Encinas

I have owned a private investigation company in Arizona for a quarter century and worked with both of these lawyers for many years. These attorneys are honest, extremely competent, and truly care about their clients. Both are exceptional advocates.

Randy Downer

Josh is one of the best lawyers out there. He has helped me in multiple situations and has gotten me off every time. He’s professional about everything and I highly recommend him.

Timothy Marshall

I needed the best attorney in town and Josh did not let me down. If you want an aggressive pro-active team representing you, this is the outfit to go with. Best in class.

Organic BTI

I hired Hernandez & Hamilton to take care of a friend who had a bit of a tough situation. They took care of him easily and kept the cops honest. Very happy.

Danton Foster

Best lawyer in town. Josh and everyone else working with him at his law office go beyond to help you every step of the way. I would highly recommend for your criminal defense attorney.

Martin Lopez

Fantastic work by Josh and his team, they are very professional. Thank you for your help in our case. You and your team managed to get my brother released on the spot and cleared of all charges.

Eftimi Etzoglou

If you want the best of the best? Look no further because Clay and Josh are definitely it. HANDS DOWN.

Amanda Wade-Mcmickle

I can't thank Josh Hamilton enough and his team for what they did for our family to give us peace knowing that we got the best law firm the best lawyer and the out come was amazing thank you for all your knowledge your hard work your dedication once again thank you Josh and your team.

Alley Prudhomme

Excellent firm with outstanding attorneys and staff. They work extremely hard and get amazing results for their clients.

Adam dippel

This legal team is at the top of their game when it comes to representation and dedication. Truly a 5 Star law firm from beginning to end.

Mary Domoto-Hill

Mr. Hamilton is an absolute beast and he handled my problem like a Sunday drive. Absolutely the best attorney anywhere.period. thank you again Mr. Hamilton. Five stars across the board.

James Stewart