Illinois Prostitution Defense Lawyers

Defense Attorneys for Prostitution and Solicitation Charges

If you are facing criminal charges related to prostitution, you are likely feeling embarrassed and overwhelmed. You may be afraid to reach out for help because you are concerned about the social and personal consequences of a prostitution conviction.

At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we want you to know that we are here for you. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers have helped hundreds of clients just like you. We have an in-depth understanding of the criminal law system and we know what it takes to help you protect your future.

Whether you are facing charges for prostitution, solicitation, or another related offense, we are available to assist you. Call (815) 216-5911 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a prostitution defense lawyer at DeRango & Cain, LLC.

What Is Prostitution?

In the state of Illinois, prostitution is defined as the exchange of sexual acts for money or other goods or services. Prostitution is a crime of sexual exploitation, and it is illegal in all 50 states. In some jurisdictions, the laws are written in such a way that they only criminalize the person who is selling sex, but in Illinois, both the buyer and the seller can be charged with a crime.

The following actions are all considered forms of prostitution under Illinois law:

• Engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts in exchange for money, drugs, or other goods or services
• Offering to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts in exchange for money, drugs, or other goods or services
• Agreeing to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts in exchange for money, drugs, or other goods or services
• Arranging for someone else to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts in exchange for money, drugs, or other goods or services
• Offering another person’s sexual services to a third party in exchange for money, drugs, or other goods or services

What Are the Penalties for Prostitution in Illinois?

Prostitution is a misdemeanor offense in the state of Illinois. The penalties for a prostitution conviction depend on the circumstances of the case and whether the accused has any prior convictions for the same offense.

First-Time Offenders:

• If you are convicted of prostitution for the first time, you will be sentenced to a minimum of 30 hours of community service. You may also be required to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pay for any necessary medical treatment.

Subsequent Offenses:

• If you have been convicted of prostitution before, a second or subsequent conviction is a Class 4 felony. This offense is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

If you are convicted of prostitution, you may also face other sex crime charges. For example, if you are accused of engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money or other goods or services, you could be charged with prostitution and sexual exploitation of a child if the other person is under the age of 18.

What Is Solicitation of a Sexual Act?

Solicitation is the act of offering to pay for sex or to arrange for someone else to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money or other goods or services. In the state of Illinois, solicitation is a crime, even if no sexual act actually takes place. The penalties for solicitation are the same as those for prostitution.

First-time solicitation offenders are required to complete 100 hours of community service. Subsequent convictions are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

What Is Patronizing a Prostitute?

Patronizing a prostitute is the act of paying for or arranging for someone else to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money or other goods or services. Like solicitation, patronizing a prostitute is a crime in the state of Illinois, even if no sexual act actually takes place. The penalties for patronizing a prostitute are the same as those for solicitation.

First-time patronizing a prostitute offenders are required to complete 100 hours of community service. Subsequent convictions are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

Prostitution as a Child

Engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money or other goods or services is a crime, even if the person engaging in the acts is a minor. If a person under the age of 18 is accused of prostitution, they will be charged with a sex crime. If the minor is also the victim of sexual exploitation, the person who exploited them could face additional charges.

Prostitution and Human Trafficking

Prostitution and sexual exploitation of a child are closely related to human trafficking. Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to force a person to engage in sexual activity or other forms of labor. Human trafficking is a serious felony offense in the state of Illinois, and it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

If you have been arrested for prostitution or a related offense, you may also be facing charges for human trafficking. It is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

How Can a Prostitution Defense Lawyer Help Me?

If you are facing charges for prostitution, solicitation, patronizing a prostitute, or human trafficking, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side. At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we believe that you deserve a second chance. We will work hard to help you avoid a conviction and the resulting consequences.

When you choose us to handle your prostitution case, you can count on us to:

• Review the evidence against you to look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• File any necessary pre-trial motions to get evidence excluded from your case or to get the charges against you dropped
• Represent you at all pre-trial hearings and at trial
• Work with the prosecution to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf
• Help you explore alternatives to jail or prison, such as probation or community service
• Ensure that you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Prostitution Defense Lawyer

If you are facing charges for prostitution or a related offense, you do not have to go through the criminal justice system alone. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at DeRango & Cain, LLC are here to help. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources that you need to fight the charges against you.

Our law firm represents clients in Rockford, Belvidere, Freeport, Loves Park, Rochelle, Oregon, Boone County, Winnebago County, Stephenson County, and throughout Illinois. Call (815) 216-5911 or online to schedule a free consultation with a Rockford prostitution defense lawyer at DeRango & Cain, LLC.