What would you do if you were suddenly arrested and the police alleged that you were engaging in prostitution? Such an ordeal can be terrifying and confusing, especially if you are innocent. Due to sudden anxiety and fear, most people do things that make them look guilty.
By estimates, about 30% of the people charged for prostitution are innocent. However, they face such penalties for doing the wrong things at the time of the arrest.
So, how do you avoid such pitfalls and ensure you do not face harsh penalties even if you are guilty?
Instead of self-incrimination or saying anything the police will twist in court, trust the expert lawyers to help you. However, before your lawyer arrives at the scene, you must also take the necessary steps to justify your version of events.
Remember, your immediate action and preparations could greatly affect the case’s outcome. This article explores the five critical steps to take whenever you find yourself in such a precarious situation.
1. Do Not Provide Any Statement Without the Lawyer Present
Under the pressure of the moment, most people talk without carefully considering what they are saying to the point. Such statements are suitable evidence in courts, and your words can land you in jail.
To be safe, do not answer any questions without your lawyer’s permission. Record only basic details like name and age.
Laws can be so ruthless on prostitution. That is why you need someone who understands the penalties and legal stipulations.
So, whenever you are arrested for such offenses, opt for a qualified prostitution lawyer. However, do not just hire any lawyer; consider the best and most experienced one with a good winning record.
Due to their experience, they will help you review the case and arrest to determine whether it was lawful. After going through all these details, they can formulate the best strategy to get you out of trouble.
2. Stay Calm and Comply
Resisting an arrest or trying to flee only makes you look guilty and triggers police curiosity. So, if you are caught in such a situation, stay calm and prepare for what happens next.
Remember to be silent and do not discuss details with anyone. Do not comply with police intimidation and coercion. They tend to use such tactics to get you to admit wrongdoing unknowingly. Also, be composed and confident since any sign of fear and anxiety indicates a weakness that the police and prosecutors can then exploit.
Even in the presence of your attorney, you should always be silent and allow experts to handle the case. Finally, if you are in jail awaiting trial, do not talk to anyone about the incidents. Prison conversations can be recorded, and the Virginia courts permit such recordings to be used as evidence.
3. Document Everything
The only way to win a prostitution case is to have sufficient evidence to prove your innocence or reduce the major charges to a misdemeanor. You should record everything that happens during and after the arrest.
While the police may be aggressive toward video recording, other creative ways are used to document all details. For instance, you can turn on your phone recording and keep it in your pocket. This will help you capture incidents like police harassment and manipulations.
Also, pay attention to details like the time of arrest and location so that the police do not fabricate the details. Document any details that could help your lawyer turn the tables around.
4. Understand the Charges Against You
After the arrest, you should understand the charges prosecutors put against you. The charges are always minor and considered nonfelony, especially if you solicited sex. Another minor charge is loitering, which is all about being in a prostitution zone. The police tend to assume your presence in such places is an attempt to solicit.
There are other major charges that could easily lead to jail time. For example, actions like pandering or pimping will lead to years in prison. Some of these charges can also rack up, leading to allegations of sexual trafficking.
Once you know the charges, you can review the evidence to prepare to fight back.
5. Consider Legal Defenses and Plea Options
You do not have to wait until it’s too late to fight back. Begin by leveraging your evidence and documents to create a strategy. If you have strong evidence, you can present it to the prosecution to get the case dismissed, and you walk away free.
However, if you are guilty and the prosecution has more against you, it’s time to prepare for the ultimate defense to help you reduce the charges. For instance, if you are involved in a major crime like pimping or solicitation, you can work with a lawyer to get a plea bargain to minimize the charges.
Nevertheless, if the prosecution is unwilling to cave in, you can use your evidence to sue for illegal search, mistaken identity, and entrapment. This makes prostitution look bad; hence, they can offer a plea bargain instead of going to trial.
Conclusion
Being arrested for prostitution has a significant impact, including on your reputation. The steps you take after that can significantly help clear your name or affect the case outcome.
You should trust your lawyer to handle all the legal details. To facilitate that, ensure you collect enough evidence and document everything. Also, remain calm, silent, and confident so the police do not intimidate or coerce you into saying something incriminating.
Once you understand the charges, prepare for your defense and use the best response tactic to minimize the harm you suffer.
Also Read: Can a Lawyer Help If You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Drug Crime?
