Facing charges for engaging in prostitution in Norman, OK, is an isolating experience. The charges carry severe penalties, and the social effects can be devastating. When you feel like you have nowhere else to turn, the sex crimes attorneys at Pierce Law Firm P.C. have your back.
What is Prostitution?
Prostitution is prohibited in the state of Oklahoma. The crime of prostitution is defined under Sections 21-1029 and 21-1030 of the Oklahoma Criminal Code. Under the law, prostitution is defined as the act of giving or receiving the body, including the making of any appointment or engagement, for sexual intercourse in exchange for money or any other thing of value. In short, prostitution refers to engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for a valuable consideration.
Illegal Acts Related to Prostitution
In Norman, OK, both engaging in prostitution and hiring a prostitute are punishable under the law. The following are the illegal acts related to prostitution:
Engaging or Procuring Prostitution
Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1028 refers to the act of giving or receiving the body for sexual intercourse in exchange for any form of compensation. It likewise refers to the making of any appointment or engagement in sexual conduct in exchange for a valuable consideration. It penalizes both the act of engaging in prostitution and the patronizing or procuring of a prostitute.
Soliciting to Prostitution
Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1029 prohibits soliciting, inducing, or enticing another person to pay or provide money or any other item or service of value to engage in an act of prostitution. Soliciting prostitution is a preparatory crime punishable under the law. Hence, for a successful prosecution of prostitution, the prosecution need not prove that prostitution occurred because of the solicitation for prostitution. It is enough that the accused made an offer to another person with the intent to commit prostitution.
Entering or Residing in a Brothel
It is likewise illegal to reside in, enter, or remain in any house, place, building, or other structure or to enter or remain in any vehicle, trailer, or other conveyance with the intent of committing an act of prostitution. As enumerated above, the brothel is a place where prostitution is regularly engaged. It may be any house, place, building, or other structure. It may also be a vehicle, trailer, or other conveyance. Under the law, it is illegal for any person to reside, enter, or remain in the brothel house with the intent to commit the crime of prostitution. However, if the entry is done without the intent to commit prostitution, the person may not be penalized for entering a brothel. Thus, a delivery man who enters a brothel to deliver a package in the performance of his assigned task and without the intention to procure prostitution, the delivery man cannot be deemed to have committed an illegal act.
Aiding or Abetting Prostitution
This pertains to aiding, abetting, or participating in any of the above-mentioned illegal acts. Conviction of any preceding unlawful acts is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for at least thirty (30) days to one (1) year and a fine. In addition, the court may require a term of community service for at least forty (40) hours and not more than eighty (80) hours.
Expungement Opportunities for Sex Trafficking Survivors
Oklahoma acknowledges the unjust circumstances that led many victims of sex trafficking to be convicted of prostitution-related offenses. Survivors of human trafficking can petition the court.
Take the Next Step to Defend Yourself
When facing serious charges, you need serious help. Pierce Law Firm has established a reputation for excellent client service in even the most distressing situations, including prostitution-related offenses. Our three decades of successfully defending individuals accused of sex crimes make us the right law firm for all prostitution-related offenses. Contact us today to discuss your case with our team.