Prostitution Defense Lawyer in Kansas City

Being charged with Prostitution is both humiliating and daunting. Prostitution is illegal in Kansas City and across Missouri. It’s a crime to buy, sell, or trade anything of value for sexual services.

Being charged with a prostitution or a sex trade crime can be a frightening experience. It’s important that you obtain legal advice so that you know your rights under the law and act to protect them. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will evaluate your case and determine the best way to proceed. We are here to help and provide the right strategy to defend your case.

PROSTITUTION IS A CRIME IN MISSOURI

Prostitution is illegal in Kansas City and across Missouri. It’s a crime to buy, sell, or trade anything of value for sexual services. All forms of prostitution including streetwalking, escort services, or brothel business are prohibited. In addition, Kansas City laws prohibit promoting sex for money, pimping or promoting sex tourism in any manner.

In Kansas City, a person commits an offense of prostitution by engaging in, offering, or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for anything of value. The offense of is charged under three categories: prostitution, patronizing prostitution, and promoting prostitution. Patronizing a sex worker also known as soliciting prostitution refers to offering anything of value in exchange for sex. Most people underestimate criminal charges of prostitution and the associated penalties.

MISDEMEANOR & FELONY PROSTITUTION

Generally, the crime of prostitution is considered a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the accused’s conduct, the nature of the crime, sex worker’s age, and prior convictions.
Prostitution or patronizing an adult sex worker is generally considered a class B misdemeanor unless there are other factors in play. The offense results in a fine up to $1,000 and jail time up to six months.
Patronizing or solicitation of an adult sex worker is a Class C misdemeanor which carries a potential jail term of up six months and a fine of up to $500 or both. However, patronizing a prostitute aged between 15 and 17 years is treated as a class A misdemeanor, whether the sex act occurred or not. The offense is punishable by a potential jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000.
Patronizing a prostitute aged below 14 years is a class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine or up to double the amount the defendant gained from the crime up to $20,000. The defendant could also face statutory rape or sodomy charges.

In Kansas City, prostitution is punished more severely if the prostitute knows he or she is infected with HIV. The offense is a class B felony that results in imprisonment for a period between 5 and 15 years.

PROMOTION OF PROSTITUTION

Promoting prostitution can involve a variety of different acts such as running a sex trade business, receiving anything of value for another’s sexual act, or allowing property to be used for sex trade services. The offense of promoting prostitution is classified in different degrees.

PROMOTION OF PROSTITUTION IN THE FIRST DEGREE

Promoting prostitution in the first degree involves forcing a person into prostitution by means of violence, threats, or drugging; this includes withholding drugs from a drug-dependent person, or promoting the sex trade of a person between 15 and 18 years. This offense is punishable by imprisonment for a period not less than 50 months and a fine between $2,500 and $5,000. If the minor is 14 years of age or younger, the imposed fine is at least $5,000, and a potential life sentence.

PROMOTION OF PROSTITUTION IN THE SECOND DEGREE

Promoting prostitution in the second degree involves running a prostitution business involving sex acts for money activity by two or more individuals. This offense is a level 9 felony which carries a prison sentence of between 11 and 13 months.

PROMOTION OF PROSTITUTION IN THE THIRD DEGREE

Promoting prostitution in the third degree refers to facilitating acts of prostitution in various ways such as providing a place for prostitution, soliciting prostitutes, running a brothel, receiving something of value from another’s participation in sex for money and other conduct that aids prostitution.
In Kansas City, promoting sex trade is considered a level 9 felony which carries a potential jail time between 11 and 13 months and a fine between $2,500 and $5,000. A second offense is a level 7 felony punishable by imprisonment between 22 months and 26 months and a fine not less than $5,000. The penalty for this offense is even higher if a minor is involved.

BEGIN YOUR DEFENSE TODAY

If you’re charged with prostitution or a related offense in Kansas City, it’s in your best interest to talk to an experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The consequences of being convicted can be life-altering. With an attorney’s help, you can obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

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