Paramus NJ Prostitution and Promoting Prostitution Defense Attorneys 

Prostitution Charges Defense Lawyers in Hackensack, New Jersey

It is illegal for a person to engage in prostitution in New Jersey. Similarly, anyone caught paying for sex can be charged with soliciting prostitution. The basic charge for engaging in prostitution is a criminal disorderly persons offense, which will appear on a background check if you are ultimately found guilty. These charges become more severe, however, when a person pays for sex with a minor. Plus, your knowledge of the minor’s age is irrelevant, meaning you are subject to strict liability for any offense with someone who is under the age of 18.

The Tormey Law Firm in Hackensack, New Jersey is a criminal defense team with lawyers who understand how sex crime accusations are made and how to defend against these allegations. Founding attorney Travis J. Tormey has established a strong reputation throughout the state, in part through his impressive work defending individuals against a wide variety of sex charges, including prostitution, lewdness, and endangering the welfare of a child.

For example, Mr. Tormey was recently successful in having a wrongfully accused sex offender exonerated in the Ocean County Superior Court after more than a decade. He has also been successful numerous times in having individuals removed from Megan’s Law registration requirements. In addition, during his time at the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Tormey worked with the sex crimes unit on federal prosecutions. Due to his impressive experience, Mr. Tormey is considered an authority in this area and has been featured in the Asbury Park Press as a legal resource on sex crimes and Megan’s Law in New Jersey. He was also recently quoted in the Bergen Record regarding the rise of luring incidents in the Bergen County area.

At The Tormey Law Firm, regularly representing clients in towns such as Mahwah, Lyndhurst, and Garfield and concentrating solely on criminal defense provides us with a unique and powerful edge, which we use to benefit our clients every day. With offices conveniently located in the heart of Bergen County, one of our attorneys is always available immediately to provide you with a free consultation. Contact us at (201)-330-4979 to learn more about the charges and penalties you may be facing. Understanding the nature of the charges against you is truly the first step to achieving a positive outcome.

Prostitution and Promoting Prostitution in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1

In New Jersey, prostitution and promoting prostitution offenses are governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1, which provides, in pertinent part:

§ 2C:34-1. Prostition and Related Offenses

b. A person commits an offense if:

(1) The actor engages in prostitution;

(2) The actor promotes prostitution;

(3) The actor knowingly promotes prostitution of a child under 18 whether or not the actor mistakenly believed that the child was 18 years of age or older, even if such mistaken belief was reasonable;

(4) The actor knowingly promotes prostitution of the actors child, ward, or any other person for whose care the actor is responsible;

(5) The actor compels another to engage in or promote prostitution;

(6) The actor promotes prostitution of the actors spouse; or

(7) The actor knowingly engages in prostitution with a person under the age of 18, or if the actor enters into or remains in a house of prostitution for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 18, or if the actor solicits or requests a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. It shall be no defense to a prosecution under this paragraph that the actor mistakenly believed that the child was 18 years of age or older, even if such mistaken belief was reasonable.

Penalties and Grading of Prostitution-Related Charges in New Jersey 

Typically, prostitution in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense, punishable by any or all of the following:

  • Up to six (6) months in the county jail.
  • Up to a $1,000.00 fine.
  • A permanent criminal charge on your record.

However, promoting prostitution is usually a third degree indictable (felony) level offense, which is punishable by three (3) to five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison. And, if the prostitution involved a minor (someone under the age of 18), this becomes a second degree crime punishable by five (5) to ten (10) years in state prison. It is important to note that it is irrelevant whether or not the defendant was aware that the individual was a minor.

Contact the The Tormey Law Firm to Speak with a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney 

As you can see, promoting prostitution and prostitution penalties in New Jersey can be severe. It is imperative that you have an experienced sex crimes defense attorney to combat these charges. Contact our lawyers anytime at (201)-330-4979 for immediate assistance. This consultation will be provided free of charge.


NJ CRIMINAL LAW VIDEO LIBRARY

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or traffic / DWI violation, you have the right to an attorney who will defend you against your charges and fight for your best interests. To learn more about how your attorney can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced, click a link below to see our video library of legal defenses and strategies.