When Is Prostitution a Felony in Michigan?

Prostitution is the exchange of sexual acts for compensation. If the state of Michigan has charged you with prostitution or soliciting with a prostitute, you may face legal consequences, damage to your reputation, and loss of employment opportunities. For these reasons, it is vital to obtain the assistance of an experienced prostitution lawyer to advocate effectively on your behalf.

If you are facing a charge of prostitution or solicitation, you have legal options and the opportunity to create a strong defense. At Drias Law Group, we understand what needs to be done in order to fight against your charges effectively.

To schedule a free case evaluation, call a prostitution lawyer today at (313) 944-0236.

Misdemeanor and Felony Prostitution Offenses

Anyone in Michigan 16 years or older caught in the act of prostitution will likely face criminal charges. As a first-time offender, you will face a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. A second offense is a misdemeanor that includes a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a $1000 fine, or both. Third offenses and beyond constitute a felony in Michigan and carry a maximum prison term of two years, a $2,000 fine, or both. If you are facing a prostitution charge, it is important to have an experienced prostitution lawyer on your side to fight for your rights.

Consequences of Hiring Prostitutes

A first-time offender for hiring prostitutes is a misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. Upon a second offense, you will face a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum one year in jail, a $1000 fine, or both. A third offense and beyond is a felony charge in Michigan that will land you up to two years in prison, a $2000 fine, or both.

Penalties for Assisting Prostitution

If you are 16 years of age or older and you assist a prostitute or those hiring prostitutes, you can also be charged with a prostitution offense. The maximum penalties you face will be the same as the penalties faced by the prostitute or the person hiring the prostitute.

Forcing One’s Wife into Prostitution

It is considered a felony to put one’s wife into prostitution through the use of fraud, force, threat, or intimidation. This crime carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

Maintaining a House of Prostitution

The crime of maintaining a house of prostitution is a felony in Michigan. It carries a maximum five-year prison sentence and a maximum fine of $2,500.

Accepting the Earnings From Prostitution

If you knowingly accept the earnings of a female prostitute or receive a loan from her pimp, it is considered a felony in Michigan. If you are convicted, you will face a maximum 20 years in prison.

Transporting a Female for Prostitution

If you knowingly transport a female for prostitution or compel or entice her to engage in prostitution, you are guilty of a felony crime that carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. Separate federal charges may apply for interstate transportation of persons for the purpose of prostitution.

Detaining a Female in a House of Prostitution

Forcing a female to remain in a prostitution house due to a debt she acquired while there is a felony crime in Michigan. Persons convicted of this crime will face a two to 20-year prison sentence.

Permitting a Person Under 16 to Reside or Work at a Prostitution House

Permitting a person 16 years of age or under to reside or work at a house of prostitution is a crime in Michigan. As a first-time offender, you will face a misdemeanor carrying a maximum of 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. As a second time offender, you will face a misdemeanor charge carrying a maximum of one year in jail, a $1000 fine, or both. If this is your third or greater offense, you will face a felony charge, with penalties including a two-year maximum prison sentence, $2,000 fine, or both.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Prostitution Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with the crime of prostitution or one of the other more serious prostitution-related offenses, our team at Drias Law Group can help. Our experienced Michigan sex crime lawyers know how to defend your rights and your freedom. To set up a free consultation, contact us today at (313) 944-0236.