Lafayette Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution & Solicitation Defense in Louisiana

If you are facing charges of prostitution or solicitation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner. J. Bradley Cockrell Attorney at Law can provide you with the aggressive defense you need. Mr. Cockrell has handled hundreds of cases and has a thorough understanding of criminal law. He understands that you may be nervous or confused about your charges and can answer your questions and guide you through this difficult time. Mr. Cockrell will fight for your rights and seek to have your charges dismissed.

Contact us today at (337) 448-4777 to learn how we can help.

What is Considered Prostitution in Louisiana?

Prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for goods or services. In Louisiana, you can be charged with prostitution even if you did not directly engage in sexual conduct. You can be charged with prostitution if you agreed to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for goods or services. This includes agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for housing, food, clothing, or anything else of value.

Under Louisiana law, prostitution is a crime and is punishable as follows:

A first offense is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500;
A second offense is punishable by up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000;
A third or subsequent offense is punishable by up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.

In addition to the general crime of prostitution, Louisiana law prohibits other related activities. For example, the solicitation of a prostitute is a separate crime that is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $750. However, the solicitation of a prostitute from a vehicle is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 and the solicitation of a prostitute from a vehicle where a minor is present is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1000.

Other prohibited activities include:

Soliciting or engaging in prostitution;
Soliciting or engaging in prostitution from a vehicle or street;
Soliciting or engaging in prostitution from a vehicle or street where a minor is present;
Soliciting or engaging in prostitution from a place where prostitution is occurring.

Additional Prostitution Offenses in Louisiana

Anyone who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of a prostitute is guilty of a felony and may be imprisoned with or without hard labor for up to 10 years and fined up to $10,000. Anyone who induces another to become or remain a prostitute is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to 20 years and a fine of up to $20,000. Anyone who is knowingly present in a place where prostitution is occurring is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

Prostitution Cases in Louisiana

The police may arrest you for engaging in any of the prohibited activities listed above. The police may also arrest you for engaging in any of these activities if a minor is present in your vehicle.

If you are charged with prostitution or solicitation, it is important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and should exercise that right. You should not speak to the police without consulting an attorney. You may be able to get the charges against you dropped if the police are unable to prove their case. If you are charged with prostitution, you may be able to get the charges against you dropped if you can show that you were the victim of a sting operation.

Because prostitution is a crime that involves a sexual act, the prosecution is allowed to introduce evidence of the defendant's prior sexual conduct. The prosecution may introduce evidence of the defendant's prior sexual conduct for the purpose of proving motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. The prosecution may seek to introduce evidence of prior sexual conduct by the defendant even if the defendant is charged with a non-sexual crime such as robbery. In order to introduce evidence of prior sexual conduct, the prosecution must show that the evidence is relevant to an issue at trial and that the probative value of the evidence is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice to the defendant.

How Can A Prostitution Defense Lawyer Help Me?

Here are some of the ways a prostitution defense lawyer can help you:

Legal Representation: A prostitution defense lawyer will represent you in court and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Knowledge of the Law: They have a deep understanding of the laws related to prostitution in your jurisdiction, which can be complex and vary from place to place. They can use their knowledge to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case.
Investigation: Your lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the evidence against you. They may uncover inconsistencies or procedural errors that could work in your favor.
Negotiation: In some cases, a defense lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges reduced or dismissed, or to seek a more favorable plea deal.
Trial Defense: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will prepare your defense, question witnesses, present evidence, and argue on your behalf to persuade the jury or judge of your innocence or mitigating circumstances.
Protection of Rights: Your lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected, including your right to remain silent and your right to a fair trial.

It's important to note that the specific services and strategies employed by a prostitution defense lawyer can vary depending on the details of your case and the laws in your jurisdiction. If you are facing prostitution-related charges, it's essential to consult with an experienced defense attorney who can assess your situation and provide you with the best legal advice and representation possible.

Contact a Prostitution Defense Lawyer in Lafayette

If you are facing charges of prostitution or solicitation, call J. Bradley Cockrell Attorney At Law immediately. J. Bradley Cockrell Attorney At Law represents clients in Lafayette and throughout Louisiana. Mr. Cockrell has extensive experience in criminal law and can help you fight your charges.

Schedule a consultation with our Lafayette prostitution lawyer by calling (337) 448-4777 today.

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Nearly 30 Years of Experience

Hiring an attorney is the biggest bet you can make when it comes to your case and it's important that you hire someone who has the experience to get the job done right.
Prepared to Go to Trial

Having successfully handled countless cases in court, our attorney knows how to read the prosecution and call their bluff.
A Proven Track Record of Success

We don't fold under pressure. We fight aggressively for our clients in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Our history of results proves that.
Straightforward Approach

We don't sugarcoat things or beat around the bush. We tell our clients the truth about their situation and the solutions we can pursue with them.

Our Winning Streak Getting the Results OUR CLIENTS NEED

Drug Distribution
Defendant was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
DWI
Defendant stopped at 3:00 am for red light violation and arrested for operating under the influence.
2nd Degree Battery
Defendant was charged with 2nd degree battery for attacking the complainant with a metal pipe at a construction site.
Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
Defendant was accused of hiring someone to kill his ex-wife. Defendant’s ex-wife was shot by the individual that broke into her home.
OWI
Defendant was charged with OWI after blood test results showed a .34 blood alcohol level.
Computer Aided Solicitation
The defendant was charged with using his computer to entice a person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual conduct.
Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine
Defendant was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile
Defendant was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile when his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter made allegations against the defendant.
Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile
Defendant was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile when his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter made allegations against the defendant.

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Common Questions Learn More About How
What to

What should I do if I’m arrested?

The most important thing to know after an arrest is what not to do. An arrested person should not talk with the police. They should not make casual small-talk in an attempt to be friendly. They should not submit to questions about the alleged crime until their lawyer is present. That leads us to the first concrete action an arrested person should do, and it's to call their attorney.
The U.S. criminal justice system offers arrested people and defendants a lot of rights, but those rights often have to be exercised. A person has the right to remain silent and has the right to a lawyer. They should use both. The Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell can be reached at (337) 448-4777. Use the phone wisely.
Why do I need a lawyer if I’m innocent?

The harsh reality is this–innocent people do end up being found guilty in courts. Innocent people can be subjected to pressures and say thing that end up being misinterpreted. Innocent people can certainly be subject to scare tactics from a prosecutor and plead guilty to a lesser crime they did not commit in exchange for the D.A. not pressing more serious charges.
An experienced defense lawyer will know when the authorities have real evidence and when they are bluffing. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate an interrogation. Attorney J. Bradley Cockrell is just such an experienced attorney.
CAN CHARGES BE REDUCED?

Charges can be reduced, although it typically happens through a process called plea bargaining. This is where the defendant is offered lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea. As noted above, this is something that defendants are strongly advised to rely on an experienced attorney.
The offer of a plea deal may be a tacit admission from a District Attorney that they don’t have enough evidence to get a conviction on anything. Or it might be a legitimate offer asking a defendant they believe they can convict for information that might lead to arresting a more dangerous and influential person. A plea offer may also be a reflection of a D.A. with a heavy caseload and looking to find ways to manage it.
Experienced defense counsel can be invaluable in helping a defendant sort through the range of possible motives and evaluating whether a plea offer is best for them.

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