Prostitution Attorney in Lexington

Defense for Prostitution Charges in Kentucky: Protect Your Reputation and Future

When you need a prostitution defense attorney in Lexington, you deserve an advocate who knows what matters most in the local courts. We recognize how these charges can affect your life, reputation, and future. Our role is to guide you with straightforward, practical advice and dependable legal support, so you always understand your options and next steps.

New clients often have questions about what will happen in Fayette County, potential legal consequences, and how to make the best choices for themselves. During our first conversation, we will discuss what to expect at each stage—from your initial hearing to options for resolution. Restoring confidence and control in your legal journey is our top priority, and we answer your questions with care, honesty, and clarity.

Call our firm now to speak with a highly experienced prostitution attorney in Lexington at (859) 951-3112 or reach out online. Bleile & Dawson offers 50+ years combined experience, and we are available 24/7 to discuss your case.

Understanding Kentucky Prostitution Laws

Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) §529.020 defines the crime of prostitution broadly, criminalizing the exchange of sexual conduct for a fee. The law applies to both the individual offering services and the individual seeking or paying for them (often referred to as patronizing or solicitation).

Under Kentucky law, a person is guilty of prostitution when he engages or agrees or offers to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee.

Key Components of the Offense

• Sexual Conduct: This is broadly defined and includes sexual intercourse or any act of sexual gratification involving the sex organs.
• The Fee/Exchange: The heart of the crime is the exchange of sexual conduct "in return for a fee," which includes money or any other form of property or value.
• Agreement or Offer: Critically, the prosecution does not need to prove that the sexual act actually occurred. Simply making an offer or reaching an agreement is enough to complete the crime.

A conviction for prostitution is generally a Class B misdemeanor. However, as a dedicated Lexington prostitution defense lawyer, we recognize that this seemingly "minor" misdemeanor status often masks the severe, long-term collateral damage a conviction causes.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Kentucky Prostitution Conviction

While prostitution is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, do not underestimate the severity of the punishment. The immediate legal penalties are just the beginning of the long-term impact.

Direct Criminal Penalties

A conviction for prostitution (Class B Misdemeanor) carries:

• Jail Time: Up to 90 days in county jail.
• Fines: A fine of up to $250.

Enhanced Penalties and Mandatory Screening

Kentucky law provides for severe enhancements and mandates additional requirements:

• HIV/STD Screening: KRS §529.090 mandates that any person convicted of prostitution must submit to screening for HIV infection.
• Enhanced Felony Charges: If the accused knew they had a sexually transmitted disease (especially HIV) and committed prostitution in a manner likely to spread it, they face additional, more severe felony charges (Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony).

Collateral Consequences

A conviction for prostitution creates a permanent public record that can follow you forever, regardless of the short jail sentence:

• Reputational Ruin: Charges of this nature lead to immediate public scrutiny, which can destroy standing in the community and personal relationships, including marriage and parental rights.
• Professional Sanctions: For licensed professionals (teachers, nurses, real estate agents, military personnel, etc.), a prostitution conviction can be deemed a crime of "moral turpitude," leading to automatic professional license review, suspension, or permanent revocation.
• Employment Barriers: Background checks will reveal the conviction, severely limiting future employment opportunities and potentially leading to termination from a current job.

Our firm works diligently to pursue outcomes that avoid a conviction entirely, protecting you from this devastating second sentence.

The Kentucky Criminal Defense Process for Prostitution Charges

Our firm’s defense strategy is deployed immediately to mitigate the damage caused by a prostitution arrest in Lexington or Fayette County.

• Case Preservation and Fact Investigation: The moment you call a prostitution attorney in Lexington, we begin work. This involves preserving all evidence, securing all police reports and video/audio evidence of the alleged agreement, and investigating the circumstances of the arrest.
• Challenging the Arrest and Search: We scrutinize the police conduct to ensure your Fourth Amendment rights were not violated. If the initial stop, detention, or search was illegal, any evidence discovered—including confessions or recorded agreements—can be suppressed.
• Applying the Corroboration Rule (KRS §529.060): This is a cornerstone of our defense. We analyze the evidence to determine if the State has anything beyond the word of the officer or the other involved party. If corroboration is absent or weak, we move for dismissal.
• Entrapment Defense: In cases arising from police stings, we evaluate whether the conduct of law enforcement went beyond merely providing an opportunity and crossed the line into inducement. If police used undue pressure or trickery to persuade you to commit a crime you were not predisposed to commit, the entrapment defense may apply. A skilled Lexington prostitution defense lawyer knows precisely how to argue this defense to a jury.

Why Hire a Prostitution Defense Lawyer in Lexington

Our clients value open communication, close attention to detail, and our knowledge of local processes. We keep you informed every step of the way, from charges through resolution, by answering questions clearly and respectfully. Because we focus on sex crimes defense work in Fayette County and the surrounding area, we bring an understanding of Kentucky criminal law and local expectations that benefits your case from day one.

• Clear communication: We answer your calls quickly and keep you updated on your case progress.
• Local focus: We defend clients in Lexington and throughout Fayette County.
• Free consultation: Our first meeting costs nothing and comes with no risk to you.
• No upfront fees: You pay only if we help you move forward after your case.

Every prosecution case is personal and unique. We listen carefully to your concerns, so we can craft a practical approach that fits your situation—whether this is your first encounter with the criminal process or you have experience with court matters. From our first conversation, we make sure you know your rights and understand your choices, always tailoring advice to the realities of Lexington’s courts.

Contact a Prostitution Defense Lawyer in Lexington

When you reach out to Bleile & Dawson, you receive confidential, nonjudgmental support for your case. I approach every prostitution case in Lexington with respect and professionalism, so you feel at ease sharing your story. During our first call, I walk you through the next steps and answer your questions directly, helping you regain a sense of control.

If you face charges and need a prostitution lawyer in Lexington, call (859) 951-3112 or reach out online for a consultation. You get straightforward guidance, real answers about your legal options, and the confidence of knowing you have a dedicated advocate by your side at every stage.