In the event of Phoenix, Arizona-based prostitution or solicitation allegations, contact an attorney, familiar with effective defense strategies.
Phoenix, Arizona law is unique in its approach to prostitution law. Successful litigation requires an attorney familiar with the intricate nature of this area of the legal system. Arizona is also unique in its sentencing requirements following conviction. Given these facts, it is important you employ an aggressive and experienced prostitution attorney to protect your freedom.
On May 8, 2006, Governor Napolitano signed into law a bill that requires jail time for prostitutes and those soliciting their services. The law now states that minimum jail penalties will be mandatory for violations of Arizona Revised Statute § 13-3214. Violation of this statute is a Class 1 misdemeanor and depending on the rate of recidivism, those convicted may be charged with a Class 5 felony.
Under Arizona law, prostitution is defined as “engaging in or agreeing or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person under a fee arrangement with that person or any other person.”
Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, plus restitution fees and surcharges. The new provision requires jail times as follows:
There are two notable changes reflected in the new provision enacted by Governor Napolitano. The first change is that a person is not is not eligible for probation or suspension of sentence unless the entire sentence is served. The second change is that after a fourth conviction, all subsequent violations are deemed a Class 5 felony and require additional jail time, charges, and fines, and the conviction becomes part of the permanent record of the convicted, appearing as a felony on all background searches. The wording of the law specifies that a person is not prohibited from being sentenced to serve a period of incarceration in the Arizona State Department of Corrections versus the county jail. Furthermore, it allows for cities and towns to enact and enforce their own prostitution ordinances that provide a punishment that is at least as stringent as provided in the state law. Given the recent changes in Arizona law and the new severity allegations of prostitution and solicitation hold, enlisting a Phoenix, Arizona prostitution attorney with a record of success and client satisfaction more important than ever before.
If you would like to have your case evaluated by an experienced Phoenix, Arizona-based prostitution attorney, contact our office today and allow us to help you get your life back on track.