Manville NJ Prostitution Defense Attorney
There are a variety of ways you can be charged with prostitution under N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1. While the classic targets are those buying and selling sex, individuals are arrested for a variety of other roles including acting as the driver for a prostitute or managing a brothel. What is pivotal in proving the offense irrespective of your involvement is that you promoted the activity of prostitution in some form. Our team of criminal attorneys have been defending 2C:34-1 (“Prostitution and related offenses”) charges for decades throughout the state, including Somerset County and Hunterdon County, and have the skills you need. Whether the charge arose in North Plainfield, South Bound Brook, Somerville, Flemington or Manville, a lawyer at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the experience to avoid the penalties and other consequences of a conviction. To speak to a former prosecutor on our staff, call our Bridgewater Office at 908-722-1011.
Arrested for Prostitution in Bridgewater or Another Municipality in Somerset County
N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1 defines prostitution as offering, accepting or engaging in sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value. There must be a solicitation to perform sexual activity including intercourse, oral sex, masturbation, or even fondling of the breast, genitals or buttocks. Entirely separate offenses arise when someone is accused of loitering for prostitution or promoting prostitution. If the charge you are faced with is prostitution, chances are that your case will be heard in a municipal court like the one in Bridgewater. The reason we can make this prediction is because most prostitution charges are disorderly persons offenses falling squarely within the jurisdiction of local courts.
- Proof Required. The state must prove that you either offered or accepted an offer, to engage in sexual activity, in exchange for something of value, and your conduct was with the purpose to consummate such a transaction.
- Grading of Offense. As previously stated, prostitution is usually filed as a disorderly persons offense. The charge escalates to a fourth degree crime if you are a repeat offender (i.e. second offense, third offense, etc.). In addition, prostitution is a second degree crime where the defendant knowingly promotes prostitution of a child. It becomes a first degree crime if the defendant is the parent, guardian or is otherwise responsible for the child under these circumstances.
- Fines, Jail & Penalties. A conviction for a disorderly persons offense for prostitution triggers a fine of up to $1,000 and the possibility of incarceration in the county jail for six (6) months. Fourth degree prostitution carries maximum penalties that include eighteen (18) months in state prison and a $10,000 fine. In addition, a mandatory driver’s license suspension of six (6) months applies where a motor vehicle is used in the commission of a prostitution offense. If the defendant is a patron of prostitution, they must also be assessed a Prostitution Offender Program Fee of $500.
Flemington NJ Prostitution Lawyer
If you were arrested on an indictable prostitution charge of the fourth degree or worse, your case will be heard at the Hunterdon County Superior Court in Flemington or at the Somerset Superior Court. The related county prosecutor’s office will be responsible for representing the state and it is your task to decide who you will hire to defend you. Success in battling your Franklin, Hillsborough, Montgomery, Raritan Township or Readington will definitely hinge, at least in part, on the quality of your representation. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are well equipped to serve you well in this regard. We are one of the largest criminal teams in the state with several former prosecutors on staff. A lawyer at the firm is available now at 908-722-1011 to help you.
