Greensboro Prostitution Lawyer

Dedicated Prostitution Attorney in Greensboro

North Carolina takes prostitution charges very seriously, especially for those accused of soliciting prostitutes. If you’re facing charges, you can work with a Greensboro prostitution lawyer to come up with an effective defense strategy and avoid the worst potential outcomes of a conviction.

Work With LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC

We believe that everyone has a right to a fair trial. The team here at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, understands your rights, and we’re happy to defend them. Our lead attorney is personally involved in every case, so you can trust that when you work with our team, you’re working with an experienced lawyer who walks with you every step of the way to handle your case.

Why Hire a Prostitution Lawyer?

There were 83 arrests made for prostitution across North Carolina in 2024. While that number may be low compared to some states, it’s important to realize that the Tar Heel State penalizes prostitution heavily, particularly the solicitation of prostitution. If you’re facing charges, you need to hire a prostitution lawyer to assist you with your case right away. Your lawyer can:

• Protect your constitutional rights
• Minimize the legal penalties associated with a conviction
• Protect your reputation
• Prevent long-term consequences
• Negotiate a plea deal
• Represent you in court

Working with a skilled Greensboro prostitution attorney is an effective way to avoid potentially devastating long-term consequences of a conviction for solicitation of a prostitute or engaging in prostitution.

Acts That Qualify as Prostitution

You can be found guilty of a prostitution-related sex crime even if you didn’t have vaginal intercourse. Acts that can be considered prostitution include any of the following when performed in exchange for something of value:

• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Masturbation
• Fondling

No exchange of actual money needs to happen for a prostitution charge to be levied against you. If you engage in a prohibited act in return for anything of value, you could be charged with anything from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class E felony.

Prohibited Acts Associated With Prostitution

The following acts are illegal in North Carolina, and you could be sent to the Guilford County Detention Center or a local prison for engaging in them:

• Prostitution. Prostitution involves engaging in any kind of sexual act in return for anything of monetary value.
• Solicitation. Solicitation of prostitutes involves seeking sexual services for hire.
• Pimping. Pimping or pandering involves compelling someone to become a prostitute or receiving some of the earnings a prostitute receives for their services.
• Keeping a place of prostitution. It is illegal to grant the use of any place for prostitution, even if you’re not involved in the actual act of solicitation.
• Child prostitution. Encouraging, forcing, supervising, or supporting the prostitution of a minor is illegal. However, the state can’t prosecute minors themselves for prostitution. Instead, they are taken into protective custody.

If you’re facing any of these charges in Greensboro, hire a lawyer right away to avoid potentially severe penalties and damage to your reputation. Your lawyer can help you avoid jail or prison time and registration as a sex offender, in cases where that would be applicable.

Penalties for Prostitution

The penalties for prostitution vary depending on what role you played in the act, the nature of the act, and prior criminal history. People engaged in prostitution face less severe penalties than those soliciting prostitutes, as a general rule, as do those engaged in pimping or keeping a house of prostitution. Adults involved in child prostitution may also need to register as sex offenders.

FAQs

What Is the New Prostitution Law in NC?

The new prostitution law in NC is House Bill 971, which formally updates General Statute 14-205.1 to enforce stricter consequences for people soliciting prostitution. The law makes purchasing sex a felony offense.

Under HB 971, the first offense of soliciting prostitution becomes a Class I felony. A second or subsequent offense is considered a Class H felony. Soliciting a minor is a Class G felony, and soliciting someone with a mental disability is a Class E felony.

What Is the Penalty for Prostitution in NC?

The penalty for prostitution in NC varies depending on the specific nature of the crime and your prior criminal history. Engaging in prostitution is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in between 45 and 120 days of jail time. Solicitation of prostitution is a Class I to Class E felony, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the crime. Profiting from prostitution is a Class F felony, carrying a prison sentence of up to 59 months.

Is North Carolina a Zero Tolerance State for Prostitution?

North Carolina is a zero-tolerance state for prostitution. All aspects of the sex trade are illegal statewide, and the state has specifically targeted solicitors of prostitutes in recent years, making purchasing sex a felony offense under any circumstances. People engaged in prostitution can be sent to jail for up to 120 days, or they can face more lenient punishments such as community service or probation.

What Happens if You Get Caught Purchasing Service From Prostitutes in NC?

If you get caught purchasing services from prostitutes in NC, you will face felony charges. If it’s your first offense, you’ll face a Class I felony. For a second or subsequent offense, the charges will be elevated to Class H felonies. If you solicit a minor, it’s a Class G felony. Solicitation of a person with a disability is a Class E felony. In all cases, you will most likely face prison time if convicted.

Your Greensboro Prostitution Lawyer

Whether you’ve been accused of buying or selling sex, you need a Greensboro prostitution lawyer on your side to help you understand the relevant prostitution laws and avoid potentially steep penalties.

You can trust the team here at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, to help. We have been practicing criminal defense law for years, and in that time, we’ve handled many prostitution cases. Whether you’re accused of engaging in prostitution or soliciting a prostitute, we can help you construct a coherent defense against the charges you are facing. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.