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Prostitution Crimes

Newport RI Criminal Defense Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.

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Newport Rhode Island Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Attorney

Prostitution in Rhode Island was outlawed on November 3, 2009 by governor Donald Carcieri. He signed into law a bill which changed a 29 year old loophole in Rhode Island Law which had allowed indoor prostitution. The new law now makes it a criminal offense to exchange sex for money in any setting.

Indoor prostitution was legal in Rhode Island between 1980 and 2009 because there was no specific statute to define the act and outlaw it specifically. Activities such as street solicitation (Loitering for indecent purposes or Soliciting from motor vehicles for indecent purposes), running a brothel (Venue of pandering), and pimping (pandering) were and still remain illegal.

The penalties for prostitution a person may face for selling or soliciting sexual services can come not only with a harsh sentence, but also can destroy marriages, ruin reputations and endanger one’s career. Even if the charges are eventually dismissed or you are found not guilty, the stigma remains.

If you or a family member have been arrested for prostitution or solicitation, Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney S. Joshua Macktaz can help.

As a former prosecutor who prosecuted thousands of criminal offenses in Rhode Island, Attorney S. Joshua Macktaz understands the need for discretion if you are charged prostitution, whether the act of soliciting sexual activity or promoting sexual activity. Even if you face a false accusation, the notice of your court date can cause serious problems in relationships or your employment.

Mr. Macktaz will use the utmost discretion in representing people charged with:

  • Selling sexual services – Prostitution or Loitering for indecent purposes
  • Soliciting a prostitute – Procurement of sexual conduct for a fee or Soliciting from motor vehicles for indecent purposes
  • Pimping or running a brothel – Pandering or permitting prostitution

Rhode Island prostitution defense attorney S. Joshua Macktaz places your privacy at a premium. He has years of experience in RI Court system as both a successful prosecutor for the state and as a criminal defense attorney since 1997. He works to avoid the filing of charges, making certain that court notices are sent to our office and not your home, aggressively defending against false accusations and obtaining resolutions that leave your dignity and reputation intact. Throughout the process you will be educated and counseled on what to do to minimize the impact of these types of charges on your life.

If you’ve been arrested or cited, time is of the essence to minimize the impact these charges can have on your personal and professional life.

PROSTITUTION PENALTIES IN RHODE ISLAND

Under Rhode Island General Law Title 11, (Criminal Offenses), Chapter 11-34 Prostitution and Lewdness:

11-34.1-2. Prostitution (Prostitution) Misdemeanor offense

  • First Offense: $250 to $1000 fine and up to six months in prison, or both
  • Multiple offenders:$500 to $1,000 fine, or up to a year in prison, or both
  • Record may be expunged after 1 year from time of infraction

11-34.1-3. Procurement of sexual conduct for a fee. Misdemeanor offense

  • First Offense: $250 to $1,000 fine from and up to six months in prison, or both
  • Subsequent Offense: $500 to $1,000 fine from and up to a year in prison, or both
  • No expungement option

11-34.1-4. Loitering for prostitution. Misdemeanor offense

  • First Offense: $250 to $1000 fine and up to six months in prison, or both
  • Multiple offenders:$500 to $1,000 fine, or up to a year in prison, or both
  • Record may be expunged after 1 year from time of infraction

11-34.1-6. Soliciting from motor vehicles for indecent purposes – Forfeiture of motor vehicle. Misdemeanor offense

  • First Offense: $500 to $1,000 fine from and up to six months in prison, or both
  • Subsequent Offense: $750 to $1,000 fine from and up to a year in prison, or both. Vehicle may be seized and forfeited.
  • No expungement option

11-34.1-7. Pandering or permitting prostitution – Not allowed

  • First Offense: $2,000 to $5,000 fine and prision for one to five years.
  • Subsequent Offense: Three to ten years in prision and $5,000 to $10,000 fine.

Customers or “Johns” face the same penalties as prostitutes, but without the possibility of having their criminal record expunged.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Also, the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.

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