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Prostitution
Prostitution defense lawyers at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, 10 Allen St #2Dreet, Toms River, NJ 08753, defend individuals in Lakewood, Jackson, Toms River, Berkeley, Manchester, Stafford, Barnegat, Brick, Lacey, Little Egg Harbor or another Ocean County town.
Charges for prostitution, promoting prostitution and loitering for purposes of engaging in prostitution arise more often in Ocean County that you might anticipate. There are a wide range of scenarios where a prostitution offense has been defended by our criminal attorneys in this context including solicitation from craigslist or backpage, offers to provide sex at massage parlors and the like. If you have been charged with prostitution in Toms River, Berkeley, Manchester, Point Pleasant Beach, Jackson or another area municipality, an attorney on our staff is highly equipped to represent you. We are Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, an eight lawyer criminal defense team that has been defending charges in Ocean County for a collective period of more than 100 years. Members of our staff are also former county and municipal prosecutors who have served in approximately 15 area municipalities. For an immediate free consultation, call (732) 286-6500.
Prostitution Offense in Ocean County
Prostitution is defined in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1 as “engaging in sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value”. In order to convict an individual of prostitution, the prosecutor must prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that:
- That there was an offer or acceptance of an offer;
- That the offer or acceptance of the offer was to engage in sexual activity;
- That it was in exchange for something of value; and
- That the defendant’s conduct was purposeful.
“Sexual activity” means sexual intercourse, oral sex, masturbation, touching of the genitals, buttocks or breasts.
Promoting Prostitution Charges
An individual is also exposed to a conviction under 2C:34-1 if they promote prostitution. “Promoting prostitution” includes seven different varieties of conduct including: (1) operating a house of prostitution (a.k.a. brothel) or prostitution business; (2) recruiting an inmate to be a prostitute; (3) encouraging, inducing or other causing someone to engage in prostitution; (4) soliciting someone to be hire a prostitute; (5) procuring a prostitute for another person; (6) transporting a prostitute; or (7) knowingly leasing or providing facilities to conduct prostitution.
Loitering for the Purposes of Engaging in Prostitution
Another common charge related to prostitution is “loitering for purposes of engaging in prostitution”. The State is required to prove that the defendant “wandered, remained, or prowled” in a public place with the purpose of engaging in prostitution or promoting prostitution. The State is also required to show some conduct, committed by the defendant, that displays a purpose to engage in prostitution.
Grading & Penalties for Prostitution, Promoting Prostitution & Loitering to Engage in Prostitution
| Section | Conduct Type | Grade | Max Fine | Incarceration |
| Various | Soliciting or engaging in prostitution. | Disorderly Persons | $1,000 | Up to 6 Months |
| 2C:34-1(b)(5) | Second or third conviction for prostitution; soliciting prostitution for another or procuring a prostitute for another. | Fourth Degree | $10,000 | Up to 18 Months |
| 2C:34-1(b)(5)2C:34-1(b)(6) | Compelling or promoting prostitution except soliciting prostitute or procuring a prostitute for another; fourth or subsequent prostitution conviction. | Third Degree | $15,000 | Up to 5 Years |
| 2C:34-1(b)(7) | Engaging in prostitution with a minor. | Second Degree | $150,000 | 5-10 Years |
| 2C:34-1(b)(3)2C:34-1(b)(4) | Promoting Prostitution of a Minor; Promoting prostitution by a parent or guardian of a child | First Degree | $200,000 | 10-20 Years |
Jackson NJ Prostitution Defense Attorney
A charge for promoting prostitution in Lakewood, Stafford, Barnegat, Brick, Lacey, Little Egg Harbor or another municipality is nothing to toy with given the penalties that are triggered if you plead or are found guilty. A impact of a prostitution charge also has the potential to materially effect your life. Choosing the right defense attorney can have a significant impact on the end result of your case in our view. The lawyers that make up our staff are seasoned criminal advocates that have handled too many case in Ocean County to even quantify. If you would like to speak to a highly knowledge lawyer at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, contact our Toms River Office at (732) 286-6500.