Rhode Island Prostitution Defense Lawyer

The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella

Rhode Island Protitution Defenses

Rhode Island law enforcement has recently made a concerted effort to stop prostitution in the State of Rhode Island. In 2009, the Rhode Island General Assembly greatly expanded the criminality of prostitution. It is now illegal to buy or sell sex within the State of Rhode Island whether you are engaging in the activity indoors or not. The 2009 legislation closed the loophole that had once allowed indoor prostitution escape the under the radar of law enforcement.

Under Rhode Island law, prostitution is when a person engages, agrees or offers to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee "commercial sexual activity". If you are convicted of the crime of prostitution you will be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to up to 6 months in prison or to a fine of not less than $250 but not more than $1,000 or both. If you are convicted of a subsequent prostitution offense, you will be subject to serving up to 1 year in prison or a fine of $500 to $1000 or both.

If you have been charged with prostitution in the State of Rhode Island the following defenses can be argued if the defendant was forced to commit the act of prostitution because of the following:

-You have been threatened or subjected to physical harm;

-You were physically restrained or threatened to be physically restrained;

-You were subject to threats of abuse of law or legal process;

-You immigration or legal status was being threatened with destruction, concealment, removal or confiscation, of any passport or other immigration document; and or

-You were subject to intimidation in which your physical well being was perceived as threatened

A Lawyer that will help you fight your Rhode Island Prostitution Charge

Attorney Zarrella has over 20 years of criminal defense experience. Michael Zarrella has the experience to aggressively and discreetly defend the charge of prostitution. He understands the negative impact that a charge of prostitution will have on you career and family life. Attorney Zarrella know all of the ins and outs of criminal law in Rhode Island. Often, Attorney Zarrella is able to find problems with the State's case which may lead to a reduction in charges, favorable dispositions or an outright dismissal. Don't wait to hire an attorney to begin fighting your prostitution case! Hire Attorney Michael Zarrella today!