New York Patronizing Prostitution Lawyer – A Helpful Guide

Getting charged with patronizing a prostitute in New York can be scary. You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. Don’t worry – this conversational article is here to help walk you through the basics of New York prostitution laws and what your options are if you’ve been charged.

First off, let’s define what “patronizing a prostitute” means legally in New York. Basically, it means paying or agreeing to pay a fee to someone in exchange for a sexual act. Some key points about the law:

It applies to both the buyer (you) and seller (the prostitute)
You don’t actually have to go through with the sexual act – just agreeing to pay for it is enough
The charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specifics

Now, what happens if you get arrested? Well, the police will take you into custody and you’ll be booked and fingerprinted. They’ll seize any evidence like your cell phone or cash. You’ll also have a chance to make a phone call to a lawyer or loved one.

After booking, you’ll go before a judge who will decide whether to set bail or release you on your own recognizance. If bail is set, you’ll need to pay it or stay in jail until your trial. Once released, your next steps are to hire a defense lawyer and start building your case.

Finding the Right New York Prostitution Lawyer

Hiring a good lawyer is crucial for getting the best possible outcome. Here are some tips:

Find someone experienced specifically with prostitution cases
Look for former prosecutors who know how the system works
Make sure they have a track record of winning cases
Personality fit is important too – choose someone you’re comfortable with

A great New York prostitution lawyer will thoroughly examine the details of your case, look for any police mistakes, and build the strongest defense. This could get the charges reduced or even dismissed.

Possible Defenses in Your Case

There are several defenses that your lawyer may use to fight the charges, including:

Entrapment – This means the police induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have. For example, an undercover cop aggressively insisting you pay for sex even if you showed hesitation.
Mistaken identity – You can argue the police arrested the wrong person and it wasn’t actually you.
False accusations – The prostitute may have lied about you agreeing to pay for sex for some reason.
Lack of intent – You didn’t actually intend to patronize a prostitute and there was a misunderstanding.

A skilled lawyer will look at the arrest details and evidence to determine which defenses make the most sense for your specific case.

Possible Penalties If Convicted

The potential penalties for a patronizing a prostitute conviction include:

Up to 1 year in jail for a misdemeanor
1 to 7 years in prison for a felony
Fines up to $5,000
A criminal record

These are maximum penalties though – an experienced lawyer can often negotiate much lighter sentences like probation, counseling, or reduced charges. But it depends on the circumstances.

How to Avoid a Conviction

Here are some steps you can take to help avoid a conviction:

Be cooperative with police but don’t answer questions without your lawyer
Hire your lawyer immediately and start building your defense
Follow all instructions from the court like checking in with probation officers
Complete any required counseling programs
Accept plea bargain offers for lighter sentencing if recommended

Essentially, comply fully with the legal process while aggressively fighting the charges with your lawyer. This shows the court you’re taking it seriously.

What If I’m Not a U.S. Citizen?

A prostitution conviction can negatively impact your immigration status if you’re not a U.S. citizen. It can potentially lead to:

Denial of your green card or visa application
Deportation proceedings
Being barred from re-entering the U.S.

So fighting the charges is especially important. An experienced lawyer understands the immigration consequences and will craft a defense to minimize damage to your status.

Take a Deep Breath – You Have Options

Being arrested for patronizing a prostitute feels scary and overwhelming. But with an experienced New York criminal defense lawyer on your side, you have a much better chance of a positive outcome. So take a deep breath, focus on finding the right lawyer for your case, and trust that there are options ahead of you.

If you or a loved one has been charged with patronizing a prostitute in New York, don’t hesitate to call an attorney. They can review the details of your case and start building the strongest defense. This difficult time will pass – you have support and there are solutions. Stay strong!