Minnesota Prostitution Charges (Explained)

Law Enforcement Departments in Minnesota have increased their enforcement of Minnesota’s Prostitution Laws.   They regularly conduct STINGS on the internet, using phony advertising in Backpage for example.   These increase during conventions and events like the 2018 Super Bowl.   If you have been caught up in something like this --- you should contact an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer. 

What Is Prostitution in Minnesota?

Prostitution is defined as the act of engaging, agreeing to or offering to engage in sexual contact or sexual penetration for a fee. Prostitution is closely connected to solicitation, pandering, loitering with the intent to prostitute and sex trafficking. Some of the charges that you may be facing if arrested for prostitution include:

• Engaging in any sexual activity for moneyLoitering in a public place with the intent to prostitute;
• Induce (or solicit) an individual to practice prostitution;
• Promotes the prostitution of an individual (pimping);
• Receives profit that it is derived from the prostitution, or the promotion of the prostitution, of an individual of any age; and
• Prostitutes in a school or park zone.

Any prostitution charge/conviction is a serious criminal offense that should not be taken lightly. 

Whether you are the patron or the prostitute, you could be looking at severe fines and prison time if you are found guilty. If you are facing any accusation related to prostitution or solicitation, your first step should be to contact a qualified Minnesota Prostitution Lawyer.

If you are busted as a customer, promoter (alleged human trafficking) or as a person engaging in prostitution, it goes beyond the penalties.   There is embarrassment.   Further, there are often underlying chemical or emotional issues which the court will expect to be addressed.   You need an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer at your side during these difficult times.  

Contact The Rolloff Law Office for a confidential telephone consultation: (612) 234-1165. There is no fee until you hire us.  We represent individuals charged with prostitution throughout Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington Counties.

Fight Prostitution Charges - Minnesota

Minnesota's prostitution laws are not clear and often change.  With that in mind ---  an experienced Minneosta Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you explore a legal defense.  Here are three common ways to fight these charges.

Prostitution Defenses

1. Due Process

One common challenge in this type of case is one that examines the government's procedural handling of the arrest.  Put another way --- the ends can’t simply justify the means, and due process needs to be followed every step of the way.  For example, a police officer can set up a sting operation, but once a crime has been committed, they need to identify themselves and complete the arrest. The officer cannot continue with the sexual encounter and then arrest the provider later, as that’s a constitutional violation of due process. Similarly, searches of suspected providers or entering a house or hotel room can only be done if police have obtained warrants and followed due process. If not, even if the provider was guilty of the crime, the case will be thrown out.

2. Entrapment

This is when a police officer entices a person into committing a crime that they otherwise would not engage in. Granted, this is not easy to prove in court --- because you need to show that the action would not of otherwise happened, and sometimes judges or juries look at the police officer and the defendant and make assumptions without hearing the facts of the case.  This is also a challenging road to go down because an undercover officer does not need to identify himself as a police officer, even if the service provider asks them if they are, which can make it easy for the prosecution to argue that the actions of the provider were planned, not coerced or forced. However, sometimes police officers abuse their power and use it as a threat against a woman, which is why entrapment should always be explored.

---

There is also the opportunity to contest Probable Cause.  In particular,  a specific offer to engage in sexual contact (for hire) must be made, otherwise probable cause is not present. For example, if a provider gets in the car of an undercover agent and says “Let’s go somewhere quiet and have fun,” this would not constitute an explicit agreement or a violation of the prostitution statute. If probable cause does not exist, an officer cannot conduct a search or arrest.

 
If you or someone you know is facing charges and needs legal help, please contact the Rolloff Law Office for a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 619-0262

City of St. Paul Prostitution Arrests

If you are charged with solicitation of a prostitute ... not only is it a humiliating experience - one that can be devastating to your reputation and family relationships ... it can also lead to large fines and possible jail consequences.   

While the penalty for soliciting prostitution in MN can vary greatly depending on the circumstances, even simple solicitation charges deserve the attention of an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer.  


Prostitution and Minnesota's Laws

Under typical most circumstances, the criminal penalties for solicitation and prostitution are not as severe as other sex crimes - ie., rape/molestation. 

Most often, a first-time solicitation is treated as a a misdemeanor carrying a maximum jail sentence of 90 days and a fine of $1000. (There are also mandatory minimum fines - ranging from $500 and $1500.)  Subsequent charges can be deemed a gross misdemeanor and lead to up to a year in jail and a $3000 fine.  These are the typical sentences.  

That being said ... most resolutions of these cases are not TYPICAL.  Because for some people ...  there are consequences that can be felt outside for court.  As an example, if you are here on non-immigrant visas such as an H1-B work visa, or are here illegally, the consequences of a criminal conviction you might risk the revocation of your visa and possible deportation. 

With so much on the line, it is important to contact an attorney immediately to defend you.

What is There to Fight?

Prostitution arrests frequently involve undercover operations - ie., "stings.".  To me, this raises certain issues that an attorney for solicitation of a prostitute is best equipped to address. If we can convince a judge to find that the police violated your constitutional rights in the process of an investigation, a dismissal of the charges might be warranted.
 

The Rolloff Law Office can help you  effectively defend your case. Call today to set-up a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165.

St. Paul Prostituion Lawyer

Prostitution and solicitation charges vary in severity depending on your alleged level of involvement. This is why you should strongly consider talking your case over with an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

Depending on your alleged involvement, you have the potential of being charged with anything from a misdemeanor up to a felony. In addition, if your alleged involvement happened in a school or park zone, the penalties are more severe than they would normally have been. Finally, prostitution and solicitation charges can have profound personal consequences on your life, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. 

If you or someone you love needs help with a criminal case, like prostitution and/or solicitation, call the Rolloff Law Office  to set up a free consultation: (612) 234-1165

Maple Grove Prostitution Arrest (Explained)

Being charged with solicitation of a prostitute is a humiliating experience that can be devastating to your reputation and family relationships. While the penalty for this crime can vary greatly depending on the circumstances, even simple solicitation charges deserve the attention of an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

Prostitution and Minnesota Law

Under typical circumstances, the penalties for solicitation and prostitution are not as severe as other crimes. A first offense for soliciting a prostitute is a misdemeanor carrying a minimum fine of $1,000.  However ... if done in a public place, this may be increased.  Repeat offenders may also face a big fine and possibly jail.

Loitering with intent to either solicit or offer prostitution is also a misdemeanor. For those acting as prostitutes, a first offense is classified as a misdemeanor with a second or subsequent offense being elevated to a gross misdemeanor.

However, not all circumstances are considered "typical" and a charge of prostitution can do serious damage to a person's life.

Consequences (Beyond Court)

If you are here on non-immigrant visas such as an H1-B work visa, or are here illegally, the consequences of a criminal conviction go far beyond simply paying a fine or performing community service. You risk the revocation of your visa and possible deportation. With so much on the line, it is important to contact an attorney immediately to defend you.

---


Prostitution arrests frequently involve undercover operations or surveillance. This raises certain evidentiary issues that an experienced Minnesota Prostitution Attorney is best equipped to address. If police violated your constitutional rights in the process of an investigation, an experienced attorney may be able to obtain a dismissal of the charges.


Is Solicitation of Prostitution a Felony?

Under most circumstances, solicitation of prostitution is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. There are, however, some instances when it can be a felony. This includes soliciting a prostitute under the age of 18.

Depending on the age, the penalty can be up to 20 years in prison. Moreover, knowingly housing an unrelated minor prostitute can carry a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine. Lastly, a prostitution offense that would otherwise be a gross misdemeanor can be elevated to a felony if committed in a school zone or public park.

While acting as a prostitute is generally only a misdemeanor, the penalties for those who promote prostitution are very serious. A person convicted of sex trafficking in the second degree — which includes recruiting, promoting or receiving profit from prostitutes — can face up to 15 years in prison. In cases involving minor prostitutes, the penalty can be up to 20 years in prison and up to 25 years if certain aggravating factors are present. In addition, trafficking across state lines can lead to additional federal charges.

The Rolloff Law Office understands how important defending your reputation is if you have been accused of solicitation or other prostitution-related crimes. With free initial consultations and evening and weekend hours, I am available when you need me to address your concerns.  Call today: (612) 234-1165.

Maple Grove Prostitution Arrests (Explained)

A number of hig profile Prostitution Arrests have made the news recently.  If you are looking for help with such a charge, you first call should be to an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.  Just because someone has been arrested - it does not mean that they will me convicted.  Here are some defenses to such a charge.

1. Entrapment Defense occurs when a government official (such as a police officer) entices a person to commit a crime that they otherwise would not commit. Proving entrapment is often difficult in these cases because offenders actively seek out prostitutes without knowing that they are undercover police officers. Thus, it is easy for the prosecution to argue the offender’s act of prostitution was premeditated, not forced.

2. Lack of Probable Cause Defense may be used when a prostitution patron is arrested prior to an agreement to engage in prostitution. An officer must have probable cause to arrest someone for prostitution. This means an explicit offer to engage in sexual contact for hire must be reached and documented. If the prosecution cannot prove that such an agreement occurred, the defendant can use this defense. It will be left up to a judge to determine whether the state has a reasonable belief based on all facts and circumstances that the defendant has committed the act of prostitution. This also requires in-court testimony by the defendant.

3.  Due Process Defense is a viable option when, during the course of a prostitution arrest, a government official displays outrageous conduct such as to make the continuation of the case unconstitutional. For example, if a police officer involved in a prostitution sting is caught engaging in sexual contact during said sting, the due process of law is violated. A judge will be left to determine whether the state acted in conduct that violated the due process rights of the accused.
Prostitution is often an embarrassing charge that most offenders wish to keep under wraps. The prosecution knows this and will use it to their advantage when negotiating a plea. Thus, it is essential to have a knowledgeable attorney to help you through the complex legal proceedings.

The best possible defense against a prostitution charge is to not engage in prostitution. If you or someone you know is addicted to prostitution, the best course of action is to seek help. Call the Rolloff Law Office for a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165.