Chicago Prostitution Lawyer

Cook County Attorneys Fighting For Your Rights

There are a variety of situations that may involve sex acts that are performed in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. However, accepting payment in exchange for sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual contact is considered to be prostitution. Those who are accused of engaging in prostitution, soliciting prostitution, or promoting prostitution may face criminal charges. These types of sexual offenses can be very serious, and in addition to being charged with crimes, some offenders may also be required to register as sex offenders.

Facing charges of prostitution or solicitation can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Those who are accused of sex crimes may be uncertain about the specific laws that apply to them and the potential defense strategies. To ensure that these issues will be addressed correctly, it is important to seek help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we can advise defendants on the laws related to prostitution and ensure that their rights are protected while also working to protect their reputation by keeping information about a case confidential whenever possible. With knowledgeable legal representation on their side, defendants have a better chance of having charges reduced or dismissed altogether.

Prostitution, Solicitation, and Related Charges in Illinois

Anyone who engages in sex acts in return for money or anything of value or offers to perform sexual intercourse or touching or fondling of a person's sex organs in exchange for payment may be charged with prostitution. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and a person may be sentenced to prison for up to one year and fined no more than $2,500. If a person has been the victim of involuntary servitude or human trafficking, they may raise this issue as a defense by stating that they were forced to engage in prostitution. A person under the age of 18 cannot be charged with prostitution. In these situations, a minor may be placed in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, which may investigate their parent(s) or guardian for child abuse or neglect.

Other offenses related to prostitution include:

• Solicitation of sexual acts - Offering money, property, or anything of value to someone else to engage in sexual intercourse or the touching or fondling of someone's sex organs for sexual gratification is a Class A misdemeanor. Solicitation of a sexual act from a minor under the age of 18 or a person with a severe intellectual disability is a Class 4 felony, which can result in one to three years of jail time and a $25,000 fine.
• Patronizing a prostitute - Engaging in sexual intercourse or fondling of sex organs with a prostitute or entering a place of prostitution with the intent of engaging in sex acts with a prostitute is a Class 4 felony.
• Promoting prostitution - A person who advances or profits from prostitution may be charged with a Class 4 felony. These actions may include compelling someone to engage in prostitution, arranging for meetings between prostitutes and those who solicit prostitution, or owning a place of prostitution.
• Patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution - Having sexual intercourse or sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 who is engaging in prostitution is a Class 3 felony, which may be punished by jail time of two to five years and a $25,000 fine.
• Promoting juvenile prostitution - Advancing or profiting from prostitution in which the prostituted person is under the age of 18 is generally charged as a Class 1 felony, which may lead to between four and 15 years of jail time. If the prostituted person is under the age of 13, if a minor is confined against their will or threatened with bodily harm, or if a person administers controlled substances to a minor, this offense may be charged as a Class X felony, and a person may be sentenced to between six and 60 years in prison.

A conviction of solicitation or promoting prostitution will require a person to register as a sex offender for 10 years. In some cases involving juvenile prostitution, these offenders may be classified as sexual predators, and they will be required to register as sex offenders for life.

Contact Our Chicago Prostitution Charges Attorney

Prostitution, solicitation, and related charges can have serious consequences. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible following an arrest related to prostitution. Our firm understands the complexities involved in these cases, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights while exploring all available defenses. We understand how sensitive these matters are, and we strive to provide our clients with compassionate yet aggressive representation. Contact us today at 312-627-9482 for a free consultation so that we may begin crafting an effective strategy on your behalf.