In Michigan, prostitution is generally defined as the exchange of sex for money or other favors.
Anyone accused or charged with prostitution faces the potential for jail time, fines, and the personal embarrassment and stress that accompany such allegations.
The right lawyers can convince a judge or jury to return a “not guilty” verdict, have the charge reduced, or even get your charge dismissed altogether.
If convicted, both the prostitute and the customer can be prosecuted and face severe penalties, depending on the specific nature of the prostitution crime involved.
City of Detroit
Misdemeanor, penalties depend on the nature of the act and prior criminal history, including misdemeanor offenses could result in up to 93-day mandatory jail time and a fine of $500, probation, community service, and possible lifetime registration as ex-offender for solicitation crimes.
RECEIVING AN EARNING FROM A PROSTITUTE
Under MCL 750.457, it is a criminal offense for any individual to knowingly accept, receive, or appropriate the proceeds of prostitution, or to demand money or valuable items from those proceeds, with awareness that the earnings originate from such activities. It is also a crime for anyone to knowingly benefit, from another person’s prostitution earnings, including any money loaned, advanced, or charged to a prostitute.
Renting a house for prostitution
Under MCL 750.454, it is a criminal offense for a person to rent a property to someone while knowing that the tenant intends to use it as a house of ill fame, for lewd activities, or for prostitution.
Running a house for prostitution
Under MCL 750.452, it is illegal for an individual to operate, maintain, assist, or support the establishment or management of a bawdy house, house of ill fame, or any location used for prostitution and lewd activities.
DETAINING A PROSTITUTE
Under MCL 750.458 of the Michigan penal code, it’s criminal to detain a person in a prostitution house due to any debt or debts the person in question may have accrued while staying at the house.
FORCING A SPOUSE INTO PROSTITUTION
Under MCL 750.456, it’s a criminal offense for a person to use fraud, force, intimidation, or threat to leave or place their spouse in a prostitution house, or have them lead a life of prostitution.
AIDING OR ABETTING A PROSTITUTE
It’s a criminal offense for any person over the age of 16 to help, aid, or abet a prostitute to find clients, or help anyone find a prostitute’s services. The crime of aiding or abetting a prostitute falls under MCL 750.450 of the Michigan penal code.
MINORS WORKING AT A PROSTITUTION HOUSE
Under MCL 750.462, it’s a criminal offense for any person to take, employ, detain, receive or allow a person under 16 years of age to remain in a house of prostitution, or any other house in which illegal sexual activities are committed.
Penalty
In Michigan, prostitution solicitation is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a maximum fine of $500, or both.
However, if the individual has one prior conviction related to prostitution, the charge escalates to a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
If the person has two or more prior convictions for prostitution solicitation, the charge can be elevated to a felony, carrying a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
MCL 750.449 – admitting a person to a place for prostitution
Admitting a person to a place for prostitution in Michigan is a misdemeanor offense that carries a penalty of not more than 93 days in jail, a fine not exceeding $500, or both.
A conviction for knowingly selling or offering travel services, or facilitating travel for the purpose of prostitution, can result in a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
If the offense involves a minor, the offender faces a felony charge with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $15,000, or both.
Violation of MCL 754.457 – Pandering and Receiving Earnings from a Prostitute A conviction for receiving earnings from a prostitute is classified as a felony and carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The same penalties apply to those convicted of forcing a spouse into prostitution (MCL 750.456).
Violation of MCL 750.454 – Leasing a House for Prostitution A conviction for leasing a property for prostitution will result in a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $750.
Defense
Below are some defense strategies our team can use to contest your prostitution or solicitation charges:
- Lack of Knowledge: The accused was unaware that the sexual act was being offered for money.
- No Sexual Conduct: If no sexual act took place, this can serve as a defense.
- No Payment Discussed: If there was no conversation about payment or solicitation for the act, this can be used as a defense.
- Entrapment: If you were arrested during a police sting operation for prostitution solicitation, you may be able to argue entrapment by law enforcement as a defense strategy.
Common Questions
Is it considered a crime when allowing a minor to reside in a house of prostitution? Allowing a minor to reside in a house of prostitution, even if they do not actively engage in prostitution, is a crime under Michigan law.
What is considered “payment”? – Money, gifts, favors, and other compensation
Contact Kirsch Daskas Law Group
Our teams meticulous attention to detail ensures a tailored defense strategy for every client. It is vital to choose an experienced attorney to safeguard your future in the face of such intense charges. We are here to help you 248-792-3060.
