It has been called a victimless crime: Prostitution. And while there is some controversy regarding that claim, it is a crime in most jurisdictions, including Oklahoma. Here are some things you may want to know about how prostitution charges are prosecuted in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
How Does Oklahoma Define Prostitution?
In Oklahoma, both prostitution and solicitation of prostitution are illegal.
Oklahoma law defines prostitution as either the giving or receiving of the body in any sexual manner, such as sexual intercourse or any component of sexual congress, with someone other than a spouse, in exchange for money or for anything else of value, or the making or setting of such an appointment for sexual congress for pay or other objects of value. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1030.
It includes soliciting, enticing and procuring another person to commit an act of lewdness, or sexual congress for money. It also includes aiding or abetting another in any of these acts for money or other things of value. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1029. So the statute prohibits the activities of both the prostitute and the “john.”
Likewise, Oklahoma laws prohibit all persons from loitering or entering a car or building with the intent of committing an act of prostitution. Okla. Stat. 21 § 1029. The law also prohibits all acts of prostitution with any child younger than 18. Okla. Stat. 21 § 1029.
While much of the time, prostitution is a misdemeanor in Oklahoma, there are situations in which it is a felony.
Penalties for Prostitution
When charged as a misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by a jail term of 30 days to 1 year in the county jail in addition to fines. The fine for a first conviction can run as much as $2,500, then $5,000 for a second conviction, and up to $7500 for a third or subsequent conviction. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1031. For repeat offenders, convictions can be costly in terms of fines and jail time, even as a misdemeanor.
Prostitution is a felony in Oklahoma under the following circumstances. When a person engages in prostitution with the knowledge that they are infected with HIV, the crime is treated more seriously. If convicted, a defendant could face up to five years in prison. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1031.
Penalties for engaging in child prostitution is even more serious. The felony is punishable by a prison term of up to 10 years and by fines from $5,000 to $15,000.
It is also a felony to engage in or aid another in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church or school. The crime is punishable by a prison term of up to 5 years, fines of up to $5,000 for a first conviction. Fines escalate with each conviction. In addition, the court may order 40-80 community service hours. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1031.
Prostitution can be expensive, especially for repeat offenders. In addition, whether you are facing your first arrest or your 15th arrest, it can be scary to tangle with law enforcement.
Finally, a prostitution conviction can complicate your life in unforeseen ways. If you are facing charges for violation of these laws, be sure and hire a Tulsa prostitution defense lawyer to protect your rights and your freedom.
Initial Consultation: Tulsa Prostitution Defense Lawyer
Now is the time to get the help you need. Call us today at the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm at (918) 256-3400 for a no-hassle, confidential consultation. If you prefer, we can call you or reach you by email if you click here to ask your questions via the online consultation request form.