Prostitution Attorney in Macon

Arrested for Prostitution in Macon? Call for a Free Case Review  

Facing prostitution charges in Macon, GA, can be a daunting experience. At Cooper, Barton & Cooper, we understand the complexities and nuances of local laws. Our seasoned team of sex crimes defense attorneys is dedicated to providing robust and reliable defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. 

Leveraging over 40 years of combined experience, we offer personalized legal support to achieve optimal outcomes for our clients. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you navigate through this challenging time with confidence.

In Macon, it is crucial to have a legal representative who not only understands the law but also has a proven track record in negotiation and court advocacy. Our team's familiarity with the Middle Georgia legal system allows us to approach each case strategically, knowing the tendencies of local courts and prosecutors.

A skilled prostitution attorney in Macon is ready to defend your rights. We offer free consultations and speak English and Spanish to better serve your needs. Call (478) 202-7050 now or contact us online—your future is worth protecting.

Understanding Prostitution and Related Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, prostitution is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-6-9. The law criminalizes not only the act of performing sexual services for compensation but also the acts of offering or agreeing to perform such services. Furthermore, Georgia law expands to cover those who seek or pay for such services ("johns"),

Prostitution (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-9):

A person commits the offense of prostitution when he or she, 18 years of age or older, performs or offers or consents to perform a sexual act for money or other items of value.

Keeping a Place of Prostitution (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-10):

A person commits this offense if they have or exercise control over any place or conveyance which would offer seclusion or shelter for the practice of prostitution, and knowingly grant or permit the use of such place for the purpose of prostitution. This extends liability to property owners or managers.

Pimping (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-11):

A person commits the offense of pimping if they perform certain acts related to facilitating or exploiting prostitution. This often involves acting as a "manager" or "agent" for a prostitute.

Pandering (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-12):

This offense covers soliciting another to perform an act of prostitution on their behalf, or soliciting for another person to perform an act of prostitution. This typically covers the "solicitor" or "john" side of the transaction.

Promoting Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Child (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-14):

This is a very serious felony, enacted as part of broader anti-human trafficking efforts. It applies if a person knowingly recruits, entices, harbors, transports, provides, obtains, or maintains a child (under 18) for the purpose of sexual servitude (which includes prostitution).

Consequences of Prostitution-Related Convictions in Georgia

A conviction for a prostitution-related crime in Georgia can lead to profound and lasting consequences that extend far beyond direct incarceration and fines. A Macon prostitution lawyer works diligently to prevent these devastating impacts on your future.

• Misdemeanors (Prostitution, Solicitation, Pandering, Pimping - First Offense): Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 (for basic prostitution) or up to $5,000 (for high and aggravated misdemeanors like solicitation/pandering).
• Felonies (Repeat Offenses, Minor Victims, Keeping Place of Prostitution, Promoting Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Child):
• Range from 1 to 5 years in prison (for basic felony pimping/pandering/keeping a place) up to 5 to 20 years or more (for felony offenses involving minors or aggravated child exploitation) or even life imprisonment.
• Fines: Can range from $1,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the offense.
• Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Some felony prostitution offenses, particularly those involving minors or human trafficking, may carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, significantly limiting a judge's discretion.
• Probation: Possible for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions, with strict conditions (e.g., regular reporting, counseling, community service, no-contact orders, often mandatory HIV/STD testing).
• HIV/STD Testing (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-13(e)): A person convicted of prostitution or pandering may be ordered to undergo an HIV test, and the results (if positive) can be disclosed to the prosecutor, judge, and alleged victim.

A prostitution or solicitation conviction in Georgia, even a misdemeanor, leads to a permanent criminal record that is often ineligible for sealing. Convictions, especially felonies or those involving minors, can trigger mandatory sex offender registration, imposing severe residency and employment restrictions. This results in significant social stigma, potential vehicle forfeiture, and even publication of your name and photo in local newspapers for certain offenses. For non-U.S. citizens, such convictions carry severe immigration consequences, including deportation, and prior offenses can lead to enhanced penalties for future charges.