Mankato Prostitution Defense Attorney

Soliciting and engaging in prostitution are both serious criminal offenses that carry heavy penalties in Minnesota. When charged with a felony-level offense, those convicted could face decades behind bars and be forced to register as sex offenders. While an arrest for prostitution may seem dire, individuals charged with prostitution in Minnesota are innocent until proven guilty and have the legal right to fight the charges they face. 

If you are under investigation for prostitution in Mankato, the stakes are too high to go without quality legal representation. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Knutson + Casey know the ins and outs of Minnesota’s criminal justice system. They are committed to doing everything in their power to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients. 

How Is Prostitution Legally Defined in Minnesota?

In general, prostitution is defined as hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire an individual for sexual contact. It is also defined as selling, offering to sell, or agreeing to sell sexual contact. The legal interpretation is broad and can encompass various actions, including internet interactions or forcing others into prostitution. 

If the act of prostitution involves individuals under the age of 18 or forcing someone into prostitution, the charge may be escalated to sex trafficking and carry even more severe penalties that could drastically impact the rest of your life. If you have been charged with prostitution, solicitation, or sex trafficking in Mankato, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into your case and help devise the best defense strategy for your needs. 

Penalties for Prostitution in Minnesota

While engaging in or soliciting prostitution are often charged as misdemeanors, first and second-degree sex trafficking are serious felony offenses. Individuals soliciting an adult prostitute may face up to 6 years behind bars and a fine of $4,000. It is essential to note that sentencing guidelines for soliciting prostitution are heavily impacted by prior convictions and the location of the incident in question. Soliciting a prostitute in a school zone or park results in the harshest penalties.

Those convicted of engaging in or being hired for prostitution with an adult customer may face a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Much like solicitation charges, the severity of the penalties strongly depends on prior convictions as well as the location of the crime. 

For more severe prostitution charges such as sex trafficking or hiring a minor prostitute, convicted individuals may face up to 25 years behind bars and a fine of $60,000. Additionally, those convicted will be required to register as sex offenders with the state after their release from prison. Registered sex offenders often have difficulties finding housing and employment as well as maintaining their reputation and relationships. Since your future may be at stake, it is critical to enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to fight the charges you face. 

Possible Defenses for Prostitution Charges in Mankato

At Knutson + Casey, our lawyers have extensive experience defending prosecution cases and a proven track record of achieving favorable results for their clients. Some strategies your Mankato prostitution defense attorney may employ include: 

• Entrapment: If a police officer entices you into committing a crime you would not have under normal circumstances, they may be guilty of entrapment. This may be a viable defense in situations with undercover officers. 
• Lack of Probable Cause: You may have been arrested before engaging in or soliciting prostitution. If so, the arresting officer must have probable cause, such as a documented offer of prostitution. If none exists, the prosecutor will have difficulty proving your guilt. 
• Lack of Due Process: If the police officers who arrested you engaged in any misconduct that violated your rights, your case might be dismissed. 

Following an arrest, it is vital to maintain your right to remain silent before your lawyer is at your side. While many arrested individuals may feel that they can help their case by giving the police their side of the story, this almost always does more harm than good. Hiring a prostitution defense attorney in Mankato, Minnesota before speaking to the police can help you protect your rights and avoid self-incrimination. 

Partner With a Dependable Mankato Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with prostitution in Mankato, there is too much on the line to go without the help and expertise of a prostitution defense lawyer. The skilled legal team at Knutson + Casey is composed of experts in Minnesota law and has helped thousands of clients like you achieve favorable outcomes for their cases. We understand the stress criminal charges bring and are committed to handling every case with compassion and care. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our dependable legal team, give us a call at (507) 344-8888 or complete our contact form today.