Monmouth County NJ Prostitution and Promoting Prostitution Defense Attorneys

In New Jersey, there are a variety of criminal offenses related to prostitution. For instance, “engaging in prostitution” can refer to an individual who offers some form of sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value, while it can also refer to an individual who provides monetary compensation or something of economic value in exchange for sexual activity. These two crimes are often delineated as “prostitution” and “solicitation,” but they are addressed within the same statute under New Jersey law. Additionally, New Jersey criminalizes the promotion of prostitution, which can involve owning or managing a house where prostitution occurs, procuring a patron for a prostitute, or transporting a person into New Jersey for the purpose of prostitution. The specific prostitution-related offense for which you have been charged is extremely significant, as it will determine the penalties to which you are exposed if convicted.

The seasoned criminal defense attorneys at Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, have committed the last 5 decades to defending individuals charged with criminal offenses ranging from promoting prostitution to sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child in Monmouth County and throughout New Jersey. The head of our criminal defense department, Partner Charles J. Uliano, is a renowned member of the legal community who has been a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney since 1986. His many accolades include the Professional Lawyer of the Year Award from the New Jersey Bar Association’s Commission on Professionalism in the Law, the Abraham J. Zager Award for Professionalism from the Monmouth Bar Association, inclusion in the Super Lawyers list every year since 2007, and the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Our criminal defense team exemplifies this tradition of excellence, achieving countless dismissals and victories on behalf of clients from Freehold to Eatontown and Asbury Park to Manasquan. For a consultation with one of our skilled Monmouth County criminal trial lawyers, contact us today.

Prostitution and Promoting Prostitution in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1

Section N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1 of the New Jersey Criminal Code addresses offenses involving prostitution and promoting prostitution in New Jersey, stating that a person commits one of these offenses if:

1. The actor engages in prostitution;
2. The actor promotes prostitution;
3. The actor knowingly promotes prostitution of a child under 18 whether or not the actor mistakenly believed that the child was 18 years of age or older, even if such mistaken belief was reasonable;
4. The actor knowingly promotes prostitution of the actor’s child, ward, or any other person for whose care the actor is responsible;
5. The actor compels another to engage in or promote prostitution;
6. The actor promotes prostitution of the actor’s spouse; or
7. The actor knowingly engages in prostitution with a person under the age of 18, or if the actor enters into or remains in a house of prostitution for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 18, or if the actor solicits or requests a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. It shall be no defense to a prosecution under this paragraph that the actor mistakenly believed that the child was 18 years of age or older, even if such mistaken belief was reasonable.

What is Considered “Promoting Prostitution” in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a person can legally be held responsible for promoting prostitution if he or she:

• Owns or manages a residence or location where prostitution occurs;
• Procures a person for a house of prostitution;
• Encourages or otherwise causes a person to become or remain a prostitute;
• Solicits a patron for a prostitute;
• Procures a prostitute for a patron;
• Transports a person into or through New Jersey for the purpose of prostitution; or
• Allows property under his or her control to be used for the purpose of prostitution with his or her knowledge and without attempting to stop it.

Notably, anyone who is supported financially or who receives money earned through prostitution can be charged with promoting prostitution under New Jersey law.

Penalties for Prostitution-Related Offenses in New Jersey

As mentioned above, there are several prostitution-related offenses in New Jersey, each of which entails specific penalties for those convicted. Generally, engaging in prostitution (as a prostitute or patron) is considered a disorderly persons offense, punishable by a sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If you have been convicted of engaging in prostitution previously, a subsequent offense is elevated to a fourth-degree crime with enhanced penalties. A fourth-degree crime is a felony in New Jersey, punishable by a sentence to serve up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Promoting prostitution is typically considered a third-degree felony in New Jersey, which is punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. However, if the offense involved a minor under the age of 18, the charge is elevated to a second-degree crime, punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 10 years. In cases involving minors, the defendant’s knowledge of the minor’s age is considered irrelevant, meaning that you are held responsible regardless of whether or not you thought the individual was 18 or older.

Contact our Wall NJ Prostitution Defense Lawyers to Discuss Your Case

A conviction for a prostitution-related offense in New Jersey can spell devastating consequences for your personal life, reputation, financial situation, and it may even lead to prison. To begin formulating your defense, it is essential to seek knowledgeable legal counsel. Please contact our renowned Monmouth County sex crimes defense team at 732-440-3950. Our attorneys are always available to provide consultations.