St. Louis Prostitution Defense Attorney

For Aggressive Defense of Prostitution Offenses in Missouri Call (314) 334-3807

Were you arrested for a prostitution-related offense? You are innocent until proven guilty, but time is of the essence. The Hammer Law Firm, LLC specializes in sex crime cases, including charges such as prostitution, patronizing prostitution, and promoting prostitution.

Prostitution definition: "A person commits prostitution if he engages or offers or agrees to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for something of value to be received by the person or by a third person."

Penalties for prostitution range in severity depending on the nature of the offense. Whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony prostitution charge, aggressive defense is essential to avoid serious penalties.

If you were arrested, call us today for a free and confidential consultation.

Prostitution Offenses Under Chapter 567 M.R.S.

Chapter 567 of the Missouri Revised Statutes details all the six major types of prostitution crimes.

1. Prostitution § 567.020

Simple prostitution is charged as a class B misdemeanor. If one of the parties knew they were infected with HIV and did not tell the other party, then prostitution can be charged as a class B felony.

2. Patronizing prostitution § 567.030

Missouri defines "patronizing prostitution" as:

(a) Giving something of value to another person as compensation for that person or a third person having engaged in sexual conduct with him or with another; or Giving or agreeing to give something of value to another person on an understanding that in return therefor that person or a third person will engage in sexual conduct with him or with another; or Soliciting or requesting another person to engage in sexual conduct with him or with another, or to secure a third person to engage in sexual conduct with him or with another, in return for something of value;

3. Promoting prostitution § 567.050-567.070

There are three degrees of promoting prostitution. First degree is a class B felony, second degree is a class C felony, and third degree is a class D felony. "Promoting prostitution" could mean:

• Compelling or threatening someone to engage in prostitution
• Promoting prostitution for someone under 16 years old
• Managing a prostitution house or business

4. Promoting travel for prostitution § 567.085

This is a class C felony charged when someone is accused of traveling for the purpose of prostitution or knowingly offering travel services for the purpose of prostitution.

5. Offering travel for the purpose of prostitution § 567.089

It is considered a felony offense to operate a travel agency, charter touring company, or related business for the purpose of prostitution.

6. Persistent prostitution offender § 567.11

It is a class D felony offense to be a persistent prostitution offender. The Missouri Statutes defines this as "a person [who has] pled guilty to or been found guilty of two or more prostitution-related offenses."

If you have been accused of any type of prostitution offense, you do have legal options. To receive information about our firm or to tell us about your case in a free, confidential case evaluation, call us at (314) 334-3807.