Law enforcement in Florida has conducted many massage parlor stings in Orlando and across the state in an attempt to crack down on prostitution. Whether you face charges of prostitution or the solicitation of it, the legal repercussions can be severe.
Understanding more about how these stings happen, and the benefits of hiring an attorney, could help you develop a strong defense against these charges.
Florida law enforcement frequently engages in massage parlor stings to find out whether these businesses are engaging in illegal activity, typically in the form of either prostitution or human trafficking.
During these stings, police officers go undercover as customers to learn more about the parlor’s operations. If they believe that patrons, employees, or business owners are performing sex acts in exchange for money, they may decide to arrest all involved. While illegal operations do occur in these businesses in many cases, sometimes officers arrest innocent parties who have not committed a crime.
In the event of a massage parlor sting in Orlando, it’s important for individuals to speak with a criminal defense attorney to discuss a potential defense. Otherwise, they face harsh penalties under Florida prostitution laws.
The legal consequences of crimes in massage parlors are often severe, leading to jail time, community service, fines, and other potential penalties. Under Florida Statute § 796, some of the main charges that you may face in massage parlor stings could include the following:
According to the statute, solicitation for prostitution qualifies as a first-degree misdemeanor, with possible penalties of up to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
Second convictions will turn the crime into a third-degree felony, potentially resulting in up to a $5,000 fine and five years in prison. Any further convictions will count as second-degree felonies that could culminate in a $15,000 fine and as many as 15 years in prison.
Meanwhile, most prostitution crimes like the ones mentioned above are considered second-degree misdemeanors, coming with up to 60 days of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500. However, renting a place for prostitution constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor with up to a one-year prison sentence and up to a $1,000 fine, while “convincing or forcing a person to become a prostitute” is a third-degree felony and “deriving support from a person engaged in prostitution” counts as a second-degree felony.
Whether facing solicitation or prostitution charges following massage parlor stings in Orlando, it’s important to build a strong defense to potentially get these charges dismissed.
If you face any criminal charges after massage parlor stings in Orlando or Central Florida, reach out to The Umansky Law Firm to discuss your legal options, including a possible defense. You may be able to avoid a conviction for any misdemeanor or felony crimes related to the sting, protecting you from potential penalties and a permanent impact on your criminal record.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
