Prostitution

Two Florida women were recently arrested during a prostitution sting in Kissimmee, according to the Palm Beach Post. The mother-daughter duo agreed, unknowingly to an undercover deputy, to a 30 minute visit for $100. While the adult daughter served as a lookout, the mother attempted to seduce the undercover officer. Both were arrested and taken to jail, despite the mother’s claim that because she did not accept any money, “it doesn’t really matter,” implying that she had not violated the law. However, Florida law specifically outlines the illegality of even agreeing to receive money for the purpose of prostitution.

What are Prostitution, Lewdness, and Assignation?

There exist specific illegal acts when it comes to prostitution and similar charges. According to Florida statute 796.07, prostitution is “giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.” A lewd behavior is any indecent or obscene act, and assignation is making an appointment for prostitution or lewdness. As such, the mother and daughter who were arrested in Kissimmee did, allegedly, violate the law by setting up the meeting of prostitution even though the act itself was not performed and no money was exchanged. The specific violations of statute 796.07 are outlined below and are first degree misdemeanors for a first and second offenses, and third degree felonies for a third offense.

  • Owning, establishing, operating, or maintaining a place used for the purpose of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution;
  • Offering or agreeing to offer another for the purpose of prostitution or lewdness;
  • Receiving or agreeing to receive another person into a place or property for the purpose of prostitution, assignation, or lewdness or to remain their for such purposes;
  • Transporting or agreeing to transport a person for the purpose of prostitution, assignation, or lewdness;
  • Engaging in or offering to commit prostitution, lewdness, or assignation;
  • To enter, remain in, or reside in a place with the purpose of prostitution, assignation, or lewdness;
  • To aid, abet, or participate in any of the above acts; and
  • To purchase the services of a prostitute.

Additionally, it is unlawful to solicit, entice, or induce, another person to commit lewdness, assignation, or prostitution. The first violation of “pimping” is a first degree misdemeanor, the second offense is a third degree felony, and a third offense is a second degree felony.

Sentencing for Prostitution, Assignation, and Lewdness Crimes

  • A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500;
  • A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000; and
  • A second degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

Call The West Palm Beach Prostitution Defense Attorneys of The Skier Law Firm

We strongly urge you to contact an attorney at once if you have been charged with any of the previously mentioned offenses. Prostitution allegations should never be taken lightly. Call the West Palm Beach attorneys of the Skier Law Firm today at (561) 220-3355 for experienced defense.

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