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Philadelphia Victimless Sex Offense Lawyer

Victimless Sex Crime Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Defending Consensual Conduct Cases

In Pennsylvania, sex crimes are divided into two categories. One category includes misdemeanor offenses, while the other covers felony crimes. Within the misdemeanor category are what are referred to as victimless sex crimes, which are offenses that involve a sex act between two consenting adults.

There are a number of crimes that qualify as victimless sex offenses, including:

Prostitution;
Soliciting a prostitute;
Pandering;
Pimping;
Indecent exposure;
Lewd conduct;
Patronizing a prostitute; and
Online solicitation of a prostitute.

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We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

Patronizing a prostitute occurs when a person hires someone else to engage in sexual activity. Merely entering a house of prostitution can also qualify under the terms of the statute. Alternatively, someone can be charged with prostitution itself if he or she:

Lives in a house of prostitution or is engaged in sexual activity as a business; or
Loiters in or within view of a public place for the purpose of being hired to engage in sexual activity.

For first and second offenses, these crimes are charged as third degree misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of $2,500. A third offense is considered a second degree misdemeanor, while additional offenses are treated as first degree misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Promoting prostitution, also known as pimping or pandering, includes a variety of activities ranging from operating a house of prostitution to transporting or paying for the transportation of a prostitute into Pennsylvania. Generally, this crime is committed when a person is involved in an activity where he or she intentionally causes someone else to become or remain a prostitute through:

Encouragement;
Inducement; or
Another act.

This offense is charged as a second degree misdemeanor and carries the threat of a three year prison sentence and a fine of $5,000, although in certain circumstances the term and fine may be increased. To sustain a charge of promoting prostitution, the accused must have been aware that prostitution was occurring.

Other acts that qualify as promoting prostitution include:

Owning or managing a house of prostitution;
Procuring someone for a house of prostitution;
Soliciting a person to patronize a prostitute;
Procuring a prostitute for a patron;
Soliciting, receiving, or agreeing to receive a benefit for doing a prostitution-related act; and
Leasing or permitting someone else to use a space for prostitution or failing to eject the tenant or notify law enforcement.

Those convicted of committing a victimless crime are not required to register on the state’s sex offender list unless the victim was a minor.

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Possible Defenses

There are a number of possible defenses that someone accused of committing a victimless crime can raise, including that:

No money was exchanged;
No sex act was promised;
No attempt to perform the sex act took place;
A lack of evidence; and
Entrapment by law enforcement authorities.

Contact a Dedicated Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney

Sex offenses are often mistakenly charged or are the result of entrapment by the police, so if you live in Pennsylvania and are being investigated for or have been charged with a sex crime, please contact van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin at (215) 610-3440 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can work to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Victimless Sex Crime Charges

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Victimless sex crimes involve consensual sexual conduct between adults and typically fall under misdemeanor charges. Common examples include prostitution, solicitation, patronizing a prostitute, pimping or pandering, indecent exposure, lewd conduct, and online solicitation of a prostitute. Although labeled “victimless,” these offenses are still aggressively prosecuted and can result in jail time and steep fines.
Penalties vary based on the specific offense and your history. First and second offenses are often charged as third degree misdemeanors, carrying up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,500. A third offense can be charged as a second degree misdemeanor, and subsequent offenses may rise to a first degree misdemeanor with up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Promoting prostitution generally carries a second degree misdemeanor penalty with possible enhancements depending on the circumstances.
In most cases, no. Pennsylvania does not require sex offender registration for victimless sex crimes unless a minor is involved. When both parties are consenting adults, these offenses fall outside the state’s Megan’s Law registration requirements.
Several defenses may apply depending on the facts of the case. These include lack of money exchange, absence of a promised or attempted sex act, insufficient evidence, mistaken identity, or entrapment by law enforcement. A skilled defense attorney can evaluate the prosecution’s case and determine which strategy offers the strongest path toward reducing or dismissing the charges.

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