In Virginia and across the country and world, the issue of human trafficking and people being forced into working as prostitutes is garnering a significant amount of attention. According to state law, prostitution not only relates to those who are soliciting a prostitute and the prostitutes themselves, but it also deals with those who are alleged to be taking part in detaining a person for prostitution or consenting for it to take place.
If a person is forced into, persuaded, encouraged or caused to enter into unlawful sexual intercourse, and if it is done against that person’s will, it is a violation of the law against detainment or human trafficking. It is also a violation of this law if the person is taken against his or her will and compelled to take part in prostitution by using force, threats, persuasion or menacing. A person who is forced to marry another or be defiled under duress will also face charges.
A parent, legal custodian or legal guardian who consents to a person being involved in prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse also violates this law, regardless of whether the person is a minor or an adult. Those who receive the money from what is earned by a male or female prostitute may also face felony charges.
It goes without saying that charges linked to prostitution can have a significantly negative affect on a person’s life. There will undoubtedly be an aggressive prosecution to try and achieve a conviction. A conviction for prostitution charges can result in a prison sentence and other penalties. Those who are facing an investigation into potential ties into prostitution or have already been arrested for these kinds of sex crimes need to understand how to formulate a strong defense. An experience criminal defense attorney can protect the rights of the accused and help ensure that they get the best possible defense.
Source: Virginia General Assembly, “18.2-355. Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc. or consenting thereto; human trafficking.,” accessed on Sept. 21, 2015
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