Criminal charges involving prostitution are among the most common sex crime charges our firm sees here in the state of New Jersey. That being said, if you were recently allegedly caught hiring a prostitute, you may feel overwhelmed and wonder what the future may have in store. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated New Jersey sex crimes attorney from the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to learn more about whether you may face jail time for hiring a prostitute in New Jersey and how our legal team can help fight your charges, every step of the way.
Is there a chance I’ll go to jail for hiring a prostitute in New Jersey?
In short, the answer to this question is yes, there is a very good chance you will go to jail for hiring a prostitute in New Jersey. Importantly, you should note that the law does not distinguish between the person providing services and the person paying for them, meaning you can each face criminal charges equally.
Many people mistakenly think that hiring a prostitute isn’t a serious crime, but the truth is, it is serious enough to land you in jail for up to six months and face a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally, if this is your second offense, you will face even harsher penalties, to the tune of 18 months of incarceration and a potential $10,000 fine. Further, if the prostitute you hired was under the age of 18, you will likely face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a potential $150,000 fine.
You should also note that there are other criminal charges that may involve prostitution, but come with even harsher penalties, such as human trafficking, sexual assault, or promoting prostitution. If you’re facing any of the aforementioned crimes, even just the first-offense crime of hiring a prostitute, you need a dedicated attorney in your corner who can fight to keep you out of jail and protect your reputation at all costs.
What can a criminal defense lawyer do for me if I’ve been charged with a crime?
Just some of the ways in which a criminal defense lawyer can help if you’ve been charged with hiring a prostitute can include:
- Disproving the charges altogether, such as by proving mistaken identity or mistake of fact
- Negotiating with the prosecutor for a plea bargain to help keep you out of jail or in jail for a shorter period of time
- Representing you at trial and presenting a strong defense strategy
- Fighting for alternatives to jail time, such as probation or community service
These are just some of the ways in which a criminal defense lawyer can fight for you. Ultimately, if you’re accused of hiring a prostitute or any other sex crime, you need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible so we can assess your case and determine a strategy with the best chance of success on your behalf. Contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri today.
