Prostitution Attorney in Bloomington

Your Resourceful Defense Team For Prostitution Charges

When you’re facing prostitution charges in Bloomington or McLean County, having a knowledgeable and compassionate legal team is essential. At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we bring together the combined skills of an accomplished group of attorneys with over 100 years of criminal defense experience. 

We’ve helped clients through every phase of the criminal justice process, from initial questioning to trial, always with a commitment to clear communication and personalized attention. You’ll benefit from the strength of one of Central Illinois’ largest criminal defense firms, while never feeling overlooked by your legal advocate.

As your prostitution defense attorney in Bloomington, we put our familiarity with area judges, prosecutors, and procedures to work for you, customizing every strategy to the specifics of local prosecution. We prioritize discretion and respect, working diligently to minimize the impact a criminal charge can have on your future, career, and standing in the community.

An experienced Bloomington prostitution lawyer from our firm is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (309) 565-8825 or using our online form. We are available around the clock.

Understanding Prostitution Laws in Illinois

Illinois law criminalizes more than just the act of prostitution. It also includes a range of related offenses that the state uses to prosecute both those who offer and those who pay for sexual acts. A first-time offense is typically a Class A misdemeanor, but it can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances. 

As a knowledgeable Bloomington prostitution lawyer, we will help you understand the specific charges you face under Illinois law.

The relevant statutes include:

• Prostitution (720 ILCS 5/11-14): This crime involves knowingly performing, offering, or agreeing to perform a sexual act for money or anything of value.
• Solicitation of a Sexual Act (720 ILCS 5/11-14.1): This offense applies to those who offer money or anything of value to another person (not their spouse) to perform a sexual act. This is the charge most commonly used in sting operations.
• Patronizing a Prostitute (720 ILCS 5/11-18): This applies to individuals who engage in a sexual act with a prostitute or who enter a place of prostitution with the intent to engage in a sexual act.

While these are the most common charges, we are experienced in handling a wide range of related offenses, including pandering, pimping, and keeping a place of prostitution. We will work to identify the specific statute you have been charged under and build a defense tailored to those charges.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

The key elements the prosecution must prove often include:

• Offer or Agreement: In solicitation and prostitution cases, the prosecution must prove that a clear offer or agreement was made to exchange a sexual act for something of value.
• Intent: The prosecution must prove that you had the specific intent to engage in prostitution. We can argue that your actions were a misunderstanding, a joke, or that you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• Identity: In some cases, the prosecution's case rests on a shaky identification. We will challenge the credibility of witnesses and any potential for mistaken identity.

By creating reasonable doubt about any one of these elements, we can significantly increase your chances of getting the charges reduced or dismissed.

Penalties of a Prostitution Conviction in Illinois

A conviction for prostitution in Illinois can have severe and lasting consequences that extend far beyond fines and jail time. As your prostitution attorney in Bloomington, we will fight to mitigate these penalties and protect your future.

Direct Penalties:

• First-Time Offense: A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $2,500. You may also be ordered to complete community service and undergo STD testing.
• Subsequent Offenses: A second or subsequent conviction for prostitution is elevated to a Class 4 felony, punishable by 1 to 3 years in state prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
• Aggravating Factors: The penalties can be even more severe if the offense occurred near a school or involved a minor. For example, patronizing a minor is a Class 3 felony, with a potential prison sentence of 2 to 5 years.

Collateral Consequences:

Beyond these direct penalties, a conviction can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life. A skilled Bloomington prostitution lawyer will work to help you avoid these long-term effects.

• Reputation Damage: A criminal record for a prostitution offense can cause significant social stigma and public embarrassment.
• Employment: A criminal conviction can make it extremely difficult to find or keep a job, as many employers conduct background checks.
• Professional Licenses: Conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses, such as those for lawyers, doctors, or real estate agents.
• Family Law Issues: A prostitution conviction can be a factor in child custody and visitation disputes in family court.

The Illinois Criminal Defense Process for Prostitution Charges

Navigating the Illinois criminal justice system can be intimidating, but you don't have to face it alone. We will be by your side every step of the way, providing the legal guidance and support you need.

1. Arrest and Booking: The process begins with an arrest. The most important thing to do is to remain silent and ask to speak with your attorney. We are available 24/7 to provide immediate guidance.
2. Bail Hearing: At the bail hearing, we will argue for your release on bail or on your own recognizance (OR).
3. Investigation and Discovery: We will immediately launch a thorough investigation into your case. As former prosecutors, we know what evidence to look for, and we will demand that the prosecution turn over all evidence they have against you.
4. Pre-Trial Motions: We will file motions to suppress any illegally obtained evidence. If we can prove that law enforcement violated your rights, we can get key evidence thrown out, potentially leading to a dismissal of your case.
5. Plea Negotiations: We will negotiate with the prosecutor to get the charges reduced or dismissed. While we are prepared to go to trial, a plea deal may be the best option to avoid the risk of a conviction.
6. Trial: If a favorable plea deal cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive courtroom experience and will present a powerful and persuasive defense on your behalf.
7. Sentencing: In the event of a conviction, we will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible, presenting mitigating factors to the court.

Our Proven Credibility & Personal Approach

When you need a prostitution defense lawyer in Bloomington, you deserve the confidence that comes from hiring a firm with a stellar reputation and a proven approach. Johnson Law Group, LLC stands out within the Central Illinois legal community because we combine a large team’s legal resources with the individualized attention clients want. 

You’ll work directly with attorneys experienced in defending sex crimes cases in Bloomington, McLean County, and throughout the region. Whether we’re negotiating with prosecutors or appearing in court, you’ll always have a responsive team working to protect your rights.

Collaboration sets us apart. With our wealth of legal experience, our attorneys work together to analyze every angle of your case and offer support tailored to your unique goals. We focus on transparent client communication, so you’ll fully understand your options at each step. 

Contact A Prostitution Defense Attorney in Bloomington For Trusted Guidance

We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and outline a pathway to relief—providing you with clarity and relieving stress throughout the process. With our decades of experience and client-centered philosophy, you get a Bloomington prostitution lawyer who understands the local courts and is dedicated to pursuing the best possible result for your case.

If you or someone you care about is facing a prostitution charge, you don’t need to navigate this challenge alone. Contact Johnson Law Group, LLC at (309) 565-8825 to schedule a confidential consultation.