Prostitution charges can arise in different forms depending on your alleged involvement. The attorneys at Ellis Hinton, LLC represent clients in related criminal proceedings and defend them from unfair prosecution. An Anderson prostitution lawyer from our firm can help you understand the nature of the prostitution charges, potential punishments, and defenses available to strengthen your case.
Clients have confidence when working with Ellis Hinton, LLC, knowing they will receive a personalized approach to their case. Our lawyers have both federal and state prosecutor experience, which enables them to properly evaluate a case and give clients an honest assessment of their legal options.
The South Carolina Criminal Code addresses prostitution and other related activities under two sections. The first can be found in South Carolina Code § 16-15-90, which makes it a criminal offense to procure, solicit, or engage in prostitution. It is further illegal under this section to knowingly aid, abet, or participate in the following acts related to prostitution:
South Carolina Criminal Code § 16-15-100 further prohibits acts related to a person’s involvement in the organization of prostitution. The law makes it illegal to procure, induce, persuade, or cause a female to become a prostitute or remain an inmate of a prostitution house. It is also illegal to accept or receive money or value from a prostitute without consideration.
An attorney can review the evidence against you in an Anderson prostitution case and advise on how to proceed. In some cases, issues may exist with the prosecution’s evidence that could allow for a dismissal. These are often constitutional violations related to how the state obtained evidence against you or other infringements of your rights during questioning or an arrest. Our firm’s experience with the court and prosecutors can also give you important context for making key decisions in your case, such as how to plead during an arraignment or the merits of accepting a deal.
The punishment for conviction of a prostitution charge in Anderson depends on the number of prior offenses, as established under S.C. Code § 16-15-110, so having a skilled attorney is essential. A first prostitution offense carries a potential fine of $200 and jail time of 30 days. The punishment increases to a $1,000 fine and six months of jail time for a second offense. A third or subsequent offense requires a maximum fine of $3,000 and imprisonment for at least one year.
When you work with an Anderson prostitution lawyer at Ellis Hinton, LLC, you can be sure that your case is being handled with confidence and care. Based in Greenville, servicing SC and beyond, we are one of the only law firms that offers both experienced counsel and a small-firm feel for clients. We understand the impact criminal charges can have on your life, which is why we pride ourselves on keeping you informed and not making promises that we cannot keep. Schedule a free case consultation with our office today.
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