A conviction of prostitution or related offenses can expose you to devastating criminal penalties, including thousands of dollars in fines and months or years in prison. Depending on the crime, you could even be forced to permanently register as a sex offender.
It’s a stressful, overwhelming situation to find yourself or a family member in – but you don’t have to face the charges on your own. Turn to Utah criminal attorney Darwin Overson to protect your rights, prepare you for court hearings, assist you with bail matters, and fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Arrested for Prostitution in Utah? Contact A Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Free Consultation
When you’re facing serious criminal charges like prostitution, you need an experienced defense attorney who will treat you with dignity and respect while aggressively fighting to secure your freedom. For more than 16 years, Salt Lake City sex crimes lawyer Darwin Overson has been defending clients charged with prostitution and related criminal offenses, including:
- Aggravated Exploitation of Prostitution
- Aiding Prostitution
- Exploiting Prostitution
- Patronizing a Prostitute (Soliciting a Prostitute)
During his many years practicing criminal law, Darwin has handled thousands of felonies and misdemeanors in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Provo, Orem, Sandy, Farmington, and other locations throughout the state of Utah. Darwin is available around the clock and is prepared to make emergency visits to county jails and holding centers on short notice, no matter where your loved one is being held in custody.
To set up a free legal consultation with Darwin, call the law offices of Overson Law at (801) 758-2287 today. Darwin will keep your information confidential.
Fines and Jail: Criminal Penalties for Felonies and Misdemeanors
In Utah, crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies. Prostitution is a misdemeanor offense under Utah Code § 76-10-1302. Depending on the details of what allegedly occurred, prostitution may be categorized as a Class B misdemeanor, or as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries greater penalties.
The penalties for offenses related to prostitution vary, depending on how the crime is classified:
- Patronizing a Prostitute – Utah Code § 76-10-1303
- Class B Misdemeanor
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Third Degree Felony
- Aiding Prostitution – Utah Code § 76-10-1304
- Class B Misdemeanor
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Exploiting Prostitution – Utah Code § 76-10-1305
- Third Degree Felony
- Aggravated Exploitation of Prostitution – Utah Code § 76-10-1306
- Second Degree Felony
- First Degree Felony
The way an offense is ultimately classified – and in turn, the way a convicted defendant is punished – depends on the specifics of the alleged crime. For example, a first offense of aiding prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor, while second and subsequent offenses are Class A misdemeanors.
Criminal penalties for prostitution in Utah, or related offenses, may include:
- Class B Misdemeanor
- Maximum Fine – $1,000
- Maximum Sentence – 6 months in jail
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Maximum Fine – $2,500
- Maximum Sentence – 1 year in jail
- Third Degree Felony
- Maximum Fine – $5,000
- Maximum Sentence – 5 years in prison
- Second Degree Felony
- Maximum Fine – $10,000
- Maximum Sentence – 15 years in prison
- First Degree Felony
- Maximum Fine – $10,000
- Maximum Sentence – Life in prison
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender for Soliciting a Prostitute in Utah?
You will not have to register as a sex offender if you are convicted of prostitution or related offenses, with one exception. You must register permanently if you are found guilty of aggravated exploitation of prostitution. For the rest of your life – many years after you have finished paying your fines and serving your sentence – you will be required to follow strict rules about re-registration and updating your information. If you fail to follow these rules, you can be charged with additional crimes and face fines and sentencing once more.
Permanent registration also means all of your sensitive personal information – including your photo, name, home address, work address, license plate number, and the crime you were convicted of – will be publicly displayed online for the rest of your life. This can have devastating personal and professional repercussions, long after the final court hearing has ended.
Prostitution offenses can have far-reaching consequences that last well into your future. Don’t wait until it’s already too late to begin reviewing your legal options – the time to act is now. Contact the law offices of Overson Law right away at (801) 758-2287 for a free, completely confidential legal consultation. It is never too early in the morning or too late at night to contact us. We are here to provide legal support and help answer your questions.