Prostitution Lawyers Des Moines, IA

Defending Prostitution & Solicitation Cases Throughout Iowa

Prostitution and solicitation offenses involve the exchange of money or anything of value for sex. They may also consist of profiting from or providing rooms (or other establishments) to further prostitution. In Iowa, such crimes are charged as misdemeanors or felonies and can lead to incarceration and/or fines. If you’ve been accused, retain quality legal representation immediately.

Branstad & Olson provides the sound counsel you need throughout your case. Our Des Moines prostitution and solicitation defense attorneys stand by you and fight for you every step of the way.

We are ready to seek a favorable outcome on your behalf. Schedule a case evaluation by calling us at (515) 329-3100 or submitting an online contact form today.

What Is Prostitution as a Criminal Charge?

Under Iowa Code § 725.1, prostitution can be committed in two ways. The first is when a person sells or offers to sell sex services. The second is when a person purchases or offers to purchase sex services provided by another.

Prostitution offenses are also referred to as solicitation. Solicitation means asking or persuading a person to engage in certain acts. In the case of prostitution, it refers to offering money or anything of value in exchange for sex.

In addition to defining prostitution, Chapter 725 of the Iowa Code also enumerates a couple of other prostitution-related offenses.

These include:

• Pimping: Pimping involves looking for and entreating others to engage in sex acts for money with a third party. In other words, an individual is seeking out a “patron for a prostitute” (Iowa Code § 725.2). A pimping offense can also occur when a person receives part of the remuneration (money or items of value) earned from prostitution, or when a person provides a room or place for prostitution.
• Pandering: Under Iowa Code § 725.3, pandering occurs when a person tries to coerce another to provide prostitution services.

Turn to Branstad & Olson for your defense. Regardless of the crime you have been charged with, our Des Moines prostitution and solicitation lawyers get started on protecting your rights and future right away.

What Are the Penalties for Prostitution in Iowa?

In Iowa, prostitution and related offenses range from aggravated misdemeanors to class “C” felonies. The level is determined by the nature of the offense and the age of the person providing the sexual services.

Below are potential conviction penalties for the various prostitution offenses in Iowa:

Aggravated Misdemeanor

• Selling or offering to sell sex services
• Purchasing or offering to purchase sex services

Punishments include:

• • Up to 2 years’ incarceration and
  • Up to $8,540 in fines

Class “D” Felony

• Purchasing or offering to purchase sex services from someone under 18 years of age
• Soliciting a prostitution patron
• Persuading or coercing prostitution

Punishments include:

• • Up to 5 years’ incarceration and
  • Up to $10,245 in fines

Class “C” Felony

• Soliciting a patron for a prostitute under 18 years of age
• Persuading or coercing a person under 18 years of age to become a prostitute

Punishments include:

• • Up to 10 years’ incarceration and
  • Up to $13,660 in fines

A prostitution conviction in Iowa can alter the course of your life. It can make it challenging to get a job, find a place to live, or be a productive member of society. Our solicitation and prostitution defense attorneys in Des Moines recognize the lasting impacts of a conviction. That is why we explore every legal avenue to seek a just result in these cases.

Defenses to Prostitution and Solicitation Charges

A prostitution and solicitation charge in Iowa is serious, but that does not mean it is not defensible. Legal errors, mistakes of facts, and other factors can be raised to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Potential defenses include, but are not limited to:

• Entrapment
• False accusations
• Insufficient evidence
• Lack of criminal intent
• No exchange of compensation
• Police misconduct

At Branstad & Olson, we review and analyze the facts of each specific case to determine and develop customized defense strategies for our clients. Speak with us as soon as possible to learn how we can help you.

Fighting Prostitution & Solicitation Charges in Iowa

Back by over six decades of combined experience, our prostitution and solicitation defense lawyers in Des Moines know how to aggressively challenge serious accusations. When you choose Branstad & Olson, we stand up for you and zealously advocate on your behalf.

To discuss your legal options, call our Des Moines prostitution and solicitation defense attorneys at (515) 329-3100 or contact us online.