FORMER PROSECUTOR REPRESENTING THOSE FACING
CHARGES IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 28 YEARS.
Criminal Defense Attorney for Prostitution Crimes
Facing Prostitution Charges?
Being accused of a sex crime like prostitution can have a profound effect on your life. Massachusetts prosecutes these charges aggressively and often seeks penalties such as imprisonment, fines, probation, and registration as a sex offender. In addition to these criminal consequences, your personal life can suffer as well. Being labeled a “prostitute” or “sex worker” can cause irreparable damage to your reputation, relationships, and career.
If you’ve been arrested for prostitution in Hampshire or Franklin County, you need to act quickly to safeguard your rights and protect your good name. Call the Law Office Criminal Defense Attorney Thomas Kokonowski today to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Northampton (413.585.9200) and Amherst (413.549.0022).
Prostitution defense attorney Tom Kokonowski understands how emotionally distressing a charge like this can be but don’t let shame or embarrassment prevent you from seeking legal representation. Mr. Kokonowsi handles every case with the utmost discretion and never judges a client. No matter what your circumstances may be, you are entitled to a strong defense.
With a background as a former prosecutor and a law practice devoted exclusively to criminal defense, Attorney Kokonowski is uniquely suited to help you achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
Massachusetts Prostitution Laws and Penalties
Providing sexual acts for money is illegal in Massachusetts. Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 272, Section 53A makes it a crime to engage in, agree to engage in, or offer to engage in a sex act with another person in exchange for money or a fee.
You can be charged with prostitution even if no money changed hands or no sexual conduct took place. An offer or an agreement to engage in sexual activity for sale is enough to trigger an arrest and potential conviction. Prostitution is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in the house of correction and/or a fine of $500. If the incident involves a minor, higher charges and stricter legal penalties will be enforced.
MGL Chapter 272, Secton 53b criminalizes the act of soliciting sex for money. It is unlawful to pay, agree to pay, or offer to pay another person to engage in sexual conduct. Again, whether any sexual conduct actually occurs is irrelevant.
Common Defenses for Prostitution Charge
There are several defenses that can be used to fight a prostitution charge. Here are just a few that Attorney Kokonowski may explore…
Lack of probable cause
A police officer must have probable cause or reasonable suspicion that you committed prostitution. They can’t arrest you just for being in an area where prostitution is known to take place.
Lack of Evidence
The prosecution must be able to prove that you explicitly communicated a financial arrangement for sex with the soliciting party. This can be difficult to prove if your conversation wasn’t recorded and can end up turning into a he said she said credibility contest.
Entrapment
Law enforcement in Hampshire County is known to use undercover tactics in order to find and arrest individuals who engage in prostitution. They frequently will conduct regular sting operations in known prostitution areas and will monitor certain online escort websites such as backpage.com to see who is advertising sexual services.
An undercover cop will often respond to one of these ads posing as a “John.” He/she may suggest meeting you at a particular location with the intention of arresting you. Once they meet you they will attempt to “close the deal” or get you to agree to have sex for a fee.
If you were lured into a situation you didn’t feel comfortable with, or felt as if you were being coerced or harassed into committing a sexual act, we can argue that you were a victim of entrapment.
