Lindenwold NJ Prostitution Attorneys

Defending Promoting Prostitution and Solicitation Charges in Camden County and South Jersey

New Jersey punishes people who engage on all sides of a prostitution transaction. Exchanging sexual interaction of some kind for something of value is considered the the prototypical form of prostitution. Since prostitution is illegal in New Jersey, acting as a prostitute could land you in jail. However, there are many other forms of prostitution that may result in criminal charges. For example, being a patron or “john” of a prostitute is illegal, as is promoting prostitution or being a “pimp.” You could find yourself in an even more serious situation if the prostitute involved is under the age of 18. There are enhanced penalties for promoters and patrons of underage prostitutes, even if they were unaware the person was a minor at the time. In any case, a prostitution charge can present a serious problem for your life and your future.

At our criminal defense law firm, our highly experienced Camden County criminal lawyers represent clients charged with prostituting, pandering, promoting, and soliciting throughout Southern New Jersey. We appear in courts like Cherry Hill, Camden, Mount Holly, Pemberton, Evesham, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Winslow and Gloucester regularly. If you been arrested for a prostitution-related offense, contact us at 609-832-3202 for a free consultation.

Understanding Prostitution and Related Offenses in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1

The New Jersey statute that addresses prostitution, 2C:34-1, covers a wide variety of offenses. It applies to a person who acts as a prostitute, a person who hires a prostitute, and a person who arranges or profits from the pairing of a prostitute with a customer. In New Jersey, you can be charged with a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1 for doing any of the following:

• Engaging in prostitution as a patron;
• Promoting prostitution;
• Promoting prostitution of a child under 18 (even if you are unaware the child is under the age of 18);
• Promoting prostitution of your child, ward, or any other person for whose care you are responsible;
• Compelling another to engage in or promote prostitution;
• Promoting prostitution of your spouse;
• Knowingly engaging in prostitution with a person under the age of 18; entering or remaining in a house of prostitution for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 18; or soliciting or requesting a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity; or
• Engaging in prostitution by personally offering sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value.

Important Prostitution-Related Definitions

As used in section N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1 of the New Jersey Criminal Code:

• “Prostitution” is sexual activity with another person in exchange for something of economic value, or the offer or acceptance of an offer to engage in sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value.
• “Sexual activity” includes, but is not limited to, sexual intercourse, including genital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, and oral-anal contact, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex; masturbation; touching of the genitals, buttocks, or female breasts; sadistic or masochistic abuse and other deviate sexual relations.
• “House of prostitution” is any place where prostitution or promotion of prostitution is regularly carried on by one person under the control, management or supervision of another.

What is Considered Promoting Prostitution in NJ?

According to New Jersey law, promoting prostitution can refer to owning, controlling, managing, supervising or otherwise keeping a house of prostitution or a prostitution business (by yourself or with others). It can also mean procuring a person to work in a house of prostitution or arranging a place for a potential prostitute to work. You can also be charged with promoting prostitution for encouraging, inducing, or otherwise purposely causing another to become or remain a prostitute. For the purposes of the above statute, soliciting a patron for a prostitute or vice versa is also considered promoting prostitution. Additionally, transporting a person into or within the state to promote that person’s engaging in prostitution, or procuring or paying for transportation for that reason is part of the definition. Lastly, it is considered promoting prostitution to knowingly lease or permit another person to use your premises for the purpose of prostitution. Even failing to make reasonable effort to have a tenant evicted falls under this category.

Penalties for Prostitution Offenses in New Jersey

Depending on the specific prostitution offense you are accused of committing, you may be charged with a first degree, second degree, third degree, fourth degree crime, or disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. First degree prostitution charges are the most serious and can land you in prison for up to 20 years. Second degree crimes involving prostitution have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years. A third degree charge for prostitution exposes you to between 3 and 5 years of incarceration. If you are convicted of a fourth degree prostitution crime, you may be sentenced to a maximum of 18 months in NJ State Prison. A disorderly persons offense for prostitution is punishable by up to 6 months in the county jail.

In addition to the other potential penalties you face, you will lose your driver’s license for 6 months if a motor vehicle is used during the commission of the offense. Many prostitution crimes also entail significant fines in New Jersey. If it applies in your case, the court has the discretion to impose a fine ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Lastly, if you are convicted of promoting prostitution of a minor, you will be required to register as a sex offender under New Jersey’s Megan’s Law.

Contact a NJ Prostitution Lawyer

If you have been accused of prostitution or another sex crime, the skilled criminal defense attorneys at our criminal defense law firm can help. Mr. Fay and his team will investigate your specific situation and all of the evidence to find the best solution for resolving your case. Whether we need to take your case to trial or negotiate for a downgraded charge or lesser penalties, we will fight for you from the moment you enlist our services until the very end. Simply call 609-832-3202 today or contact us online to arrange your free consultation.