Chesterfield Prostitution Defense Attorney

Confidential Defense For Sensitive Charges

A prostitution or solicitation arrest in Chesterfield can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about your job, your family, and whether this will follow you for the rest of your life. In this moment, you need clear information and a prostitution attorney Chesterfield residents can turn to for discreet, skilled help.

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we focus on criminal defense throughout Missouri and regularly help people facing charges that can damage their reputations. Our attorneys, Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti, bring more than 60 years of combined criminal defense experience, and both previously served as prosecutors. We understand how cases that begin with an arrest in the Chesterfield area move through St. Louis County courts, and we work to protect our clients at every stage.

We know that you may feel judged already. Our role is different. We provide confidential, respectful guidance and build a strategy that fits your circumstances, your record, and your goals for the future.

Call (314) 334-3807 to speak with our team about your case.

What is Prostitution?

Under Missouri Revised Statute § 567.020, a person commits the offense of prostitution if they engage in, offer to engage in, or agree to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for something of value.

It is important to note that "sexual conduct" is broadly defined in Missouri law. It includes not only traditional intercourse but also "deviate sexual intercourse" (oral or anal acts) and "sexual contact" (the touching of genitals, anus, or female breasts for arousal). Furthermore, "something of value" does not have to be cash; it can include property, drugs, or even a promise of future favors.

Common Forms of Prostitution Charges

Prostitution cases in Chesterfield rarely involve just a simple exchange. Law enforcement agencies, including the Chesterfield Police Department and St. Louis County Task Forces, often utilize undercover operations to catch individuals. Common charges include:

• Prostitution (§ 567.020): Typically charged against the individual offering the sexual service.
• Patronizing Prostitution (§ 567.030): This is the charge often leveled against the "john" or the buyer. You can be charged even if no physical act occurred, as long as there was an agreement to pay for sex.
• Promoting Prostitution (§ 567.050 - 567.070): These charges apply to individuals accused of acting as a "pimp," managing a brothel, or benefiting financially from the prostitution of others. These are almost always prosecuted as serious felonies.
• Persistent Prostitution Offender (§ 567.110): Missouri law increases penalties significantly for individuals who have two or more prior prostitution-related convictions.

Penalties for Prostitution in Missouri

The consequences of a conviction depend on the specific charge, the age of the parties involved, and the defendant's prior criminal history.

Beyond jail time and fines, a conviction can result in mandatory sex offender registration, loss of employment, and permanent damage to your reputation within the Chesterfield community.

Legal Defenses to Prostitution Charges

Being arrested is not the same as being convicted. A skilled Chesterfield prostitution defense attorney can evaluate the evidence to determine if your rights were violated. Common defense strategies include:

Entrapment

This occurs when law enforcement officers use coercion or overbearing tactics to induce you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have committed. Simply providing the opportunity to commit the crime is not entrapment, but if an undercover officer was the primary instigator and overcame your initial refusal, this may be a valid defense.

Lack of Intent or Evidence

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an actual agreement for "value" was reached. If the conversation was ambiguous, or if the "something of value" was never clearly defined, there may be insufficient evidence to support a conviction.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

If the police conducted an illegal search of your vehicle or phone, or if they failed to read your Miranda rights during a custodial interrogation, we may be able to have the evidence against you suppressed.

Mistake of Fact

While "mistake of age" is generally not a defense in Missouri for cases involving minors, other factual misunderstandings regarding the nature of the encounter can sometimes be used to negotiate lower charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a prostitution charge stay on my record?

A prostitution charge can appear on your criminal record and on background checks if it results in a conviction. Whether it can be reduced, dismissed, or later cleared depends on the specific charge, your prior history, and Missouri law. We review your situation and explain realistic options.

Can I go to jail for a first offense?

Jail is a possible outcome in some prostitution cases, but it is not automatic, especially for a first offense. Courts consider the exact charge, your record, and the facts of the case. Our goal as your prostitution lawyer Chesterfield based is to work toward outcomes that reduce or avoid jail when possible.

How private is my case, and will people find out?

Court cases are generally matters of public record, but many people do not actively search for them. We treat your information as confidential and discuss ways to limit unnecessary attention. We cannot control what others do, but we can handle your case with care and discretion.

What will your attorneys do at my first court date?

At your first court date, we typically enter a plea on your behalf, confirm the charges, and begin the process of requesting evidence. We also address scheduling and any conditions of release. Our presence is meant to protect your rights and guide you through each step.

How quickly can I speak with your team?

We understand that prostitution charges create urgent concerns, especially when a court date is approaching. When you call our office, our team works to schedule a conversation with an attorney as promptly as possible. During that call, we discuss your charges and how we may be able to help.

Why Our Firm Is Different

Many firms advertise criminal defense, but not all bring the same depth of experience or level of involvement in the legal community. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, criminal defense is the focus of our practice. For decades, we have represented people facing allegations that place their freedom, reputation, and future at risk, including prostitution and related offenses arising from arrests in Chesterfield and across St. Louis County.

Both of our attorneys previously served as prosecutors. That background gives us a practical understanding of how the state may build and negotiate a prostitution case, from charging decisions to plea offers. When we review discovery, we look for issues that we know can matter to a prosecutor and to a judge, and we use that insight when we negotiate or prepare for trial.

We emphasize one-on-one attention and communication. You speak with us about your concerns, we explain what is happening, and we involve you in decisions about your case. For someone facing a sensitive allegation, that level of access and respect can make a difficult process more manageable.

We invite you to contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you.