A sting operation has resulted in the arrest of three women, aged 30, 37, and 39, for alleged acts of prostitution. According toFlorida Today, the arrests were made in Melbourne and police involved in the sting operation were specifically targeting suspected prostitutes. In addition to prostitution charges, one woman faces Florida drug crime charges including possession and distribution charges involving cocaine and another faces similar charges for Oxycodone. There were transported to the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes.
Under Florida law, prostitution is defined as the “giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.” Under Florida Code 767.07, it is a crime to “offer to commit, or to commit, or to engage in, prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.” The charges and penalties for committing an act of prostitution are dependent on the criminal history of the defendant.
First-time offenders in Florida could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge, which is punishable by a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. A second-time offense will likely be treated as a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A third or subsequent violation is a felony of the third degree punishable by up to five years in prison and a $500 fine.
The experienced prostitution defense lawyers in Melbourne at Musca Law know how to fight prostitution charges and how to negotiate for lesser penalties. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys provide free consultations at (888) 484-5057 to anyone facing prostitution-related charges.