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Prostitution Crimes

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

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Client Testimonials

Josh is extremely skilled at what he does, and is a very approachable guy to work with. He is very experience in his work, and has excellent communication, customer service, and eager to help you in any way possible. His team also has very high urgency and customer service skills. I couldn't have imagined a better experience. If I were to ever find myself in need of any legal assistance again, this is the first person I'd call. He was the third or fourth individual I contacted in my search for legal advice, and the urgency, professionalism, good attitude, and incredible customer service of Josh & his colleagues were my deciding factor to go with him. Because I had him him to guide me through these dealings, I had an ironically very nice experience.

Em Lewis

15:42 26 Oct 18

I would recommend Josh Macktaz to anyone that needs help with a dui case ! He put my mind at ease after our first meeting and went over everything he was going to do for me and he did not let me down !!! I can't thank him enough for the outcome of my case and god forbid i ever needed him again he will be my first call ! I highly recommend Mr. Macktaz.

Guy Clausen 3rd

10:24 12 Oct 18

Attorney Macktaz showed excellent communication with me during the entire process. He was very transparent with everything he was doing and needed to get done. I highly reccommend using his services, especially in newport county matters.

aaron amaral

20:03 12 Sep 18

Being from out of state, never getting into any trouble in my life, and being completely terrified, not knowing anything about the judicial system or what was going to happen to me. I was lucky enough to have Josh recommended to me from a friend and I will forever be in debt to the both of them. From day one Josh thoroughly explained everything, reassured me, answered every email with every little question I had so promptly. I knew I was in the best, most capable hands I could be in. He makes you feel like you are his only client when I know just how busy he truly is. He went above and beyond for me, even saving me a trip to court because I am from out of state when he could. He knows the system, and the people within the system like the back of his hand. He is so thorough if there is a mistake that was made he will find it. That’s what he did for me. When I was sure my life was about to be turned upside down, he made something so nerve wracking as painless as possible. I could not have made a better decision by choosing him as my lawyer. I could never write enough good things about him, and I could never thank him enough for being so incredibly good at his job.

Lindsey Spencer

20:34 17 Nov 17

I highly recommend Joshua. He is very professional and explained everything in detail and my options in our first meeting. He did not raise unrealistic expectations and the end result was the "best case scenario" that he laid out for me in the initial consultation. I will be calling him again if I ever need help.

Tim Dawson

15:30 19 Sep 17

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

Newport Rhode Island Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Attorney

Table of Contents

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.