Columbus Pimping/Pandering Defense Lawyer

Were you recently accused of solicitation or prostitution in Columbus, Ohio?

If so, you owe it to yourself to take immediate steps to make it tough for the prosecutor to convict you and put you behind bars. You can start by getting in touch with a knowledgeable Columbus pimping and pandering defense lawyer at James D. Owen, LLC. There’s no time to waste – contact our team for a free consultation now.

How James D. Owen, LLC Can Help You Fight Pimping and Pandering Charges in Columbus, OH

At James D. Owen, LLC, we have a long and proud history of fighting for the people of Columbus when they need it most. Over the years, our legal team has successfully defended countless clients against serious sex-related criminal charges.

When you ask us to assist you with your pimping or pandering charge, our Columbus criminal defense lawyers will:

• Investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest
• Fight to secure a reasonable bond on your behalf
• Help you understand your legal situation
• Provide you with sound legal advice throughout your case
• Devise a customized defense strategy for you
• Stand up for your constitutional rights
• Search for relevant evidence to help your case
• Hammer out a plea bargain with the prosecutor
• Represent you in court, if necessary

At James D. Owen, LLC, we know what it takes to help clients secure favorable outcomes to Ohio pimping and pandering cases. Reach out to us today if you would like us to use our knowledge to stand up for you. We are always ready, willing, and able to fight for our neighbors in Columbus.

Understanding Ohio’s Pimping and Pandering Laws

The state of Ohio has many statutes on its books that make it illegal to engage in the practices of pimping or pandering. The following are some of the most commonly charged crimes of this nature:

Solicitation

Section 2907.24 of the Ohio Revised Code explains that it is unlawful for a person to solicit another individual who is at least 18 to engage in sexual activity for hire.

This law continues by saying that it is illegal for a person to solicit an individual who is 16 or 17 years of age to engage in sexual activity for hire – if the offender is aware of their age.

This Ohio statute concludes by stating that it is unlawful for a person to solicit another individual to engage in sexual activity if:

• The other individual is younger than 16 years of age – even if the offender is unaware of that fact, or
• The other individual has a developmental disability – and the offender has reasonable cause to be aware of that fact

When a Franklin County law enforcement officer catches someone violating this statute, they may charge them with solicitation.

Prosecutors in the state of Ohio may charge this crime as a:

• Misdemeanor of the third degree
• Felony of the fifth degree
• Felony of the third degree, or
• Felony of the second degree

The age of the victim typically plays the most substantial role in determining the severity of this offense.

Loitering to Engage in Solicitation

Section 2907.241 of the Ohio Revised Code explains that it is illegal for a person to carry out any of the following acts in a public place for the purpose of soliciting another individual to engage in sexual activity for hire:

• Beckon, stop, or attempt to stop another individual
• Engage or attempt to engage another individual in conversation
• Stop or attempt to stop the operator of a motor vehicle
• Approach a stationary motor vehicle
• Interfere with the free passage of another individual

Columbus residents who violate this statute are guilty of loitering to engage in solicitation – an offense that courts typically classify as a third-degree misdemeanor charge.

Prostitution

Section 2907.25 of the Ohio Revised Code explains that it is unlawful for a person to engage in prostitution –  meaning sexual activity – for hire.

Police officers in Columbus can charge anyone who violates this law with prostitution.

Ohio courts almost always punish prostitution as a misdemeanor of the third degree.

Compelling Prostitution

Section 2907.21 of the Ohio Revised Code explains that it is unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly:

• Compel another individual to engage in sexual activity for hire
• Induce, procure, solicit, or request a minor to engage in sexual activity for hire
• Pay or agree to pay a minor to engage in sexual activity for hire
• Allow a minor to engage in sexual activity for hire – if the offender is the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian

People who violate this Ohio law are guilty of compelling prostitution – an offense which prosecutors may classify as a felony of the first, second, or third degree.

Are you facing a misdemeanor or felony charge in the state of Ohio? If so, there is only one law firm you need to call for help and advice – James D. Owen, LLC. Our legal team has the industry experience and statutory knowledge necessary to handle your case.

Consequences of Pimping and Pandering Convictions in Ohio

The state of Ohio treats crimes like prostitution and solicitation very seriously. When it convicts Columbus residents of these offenses, it almost always imprisons them or hands them a sizable fine.

The specific nature of the criminal penalties handed out to people convicted of pimping or pandering in Ohio depends on the severity of their sex crime:

• Misdemeanors of the Third Degree: As long as 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
• Misdemeanors of the Second Degree: As long as 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750
• Misdemeanors of the First Degree: As long as 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
• Felonies of the Fifth Degree: As long as 12 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500
• Felonies of the Fourth Degree: As long as 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000
• Felonies of the Third Degree: Between 9 and 36 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
• Felonies of the Second Degree: Between 2 and 8 in state prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000

Like every jurisdiction in the United States, when Ohio finds a person guilty of a sexual crime, it makes them register as a sex offender.

Prostitution Charges and Ohio Sex Offender Registration

Ohio categorizes its sexual offenders into three tiers, depending on the nature of their crimes and their prior criminal record:

• Tier I (Low-Risk Offenders): Must remain on the registry for 15 years
• Tier II (Medium-Risk Offenders): Must remain on the registry for 25 years
• Tier III (High-Risk Offenders): Must remain on the registry for the rest of their lives

When Ohio courts force people to register as sexual offenders, they also make them adhere to regulations and restrictions like:

• Weapons Restrictions: Sex offenders in Ohio may not buy, own, or use firearms
• Communication Restrictions: Registered sex offenders in Ohio cannot call or text their victims.
• Employment Restrictions: Sex offenders are rarely allowed to work with children or vulnerable adults.
• Housing Restrictions: Sex offenders must live far away from schools in the state of Ohio.
• Alcohol Restrictions: The state of Ohio does not allow sexual offenders to consume alcohol.
• Computer Monitoring Requirements: Police officers can monitor the computers of every sex offender in Columbus.

When you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Columbus to aid you with your fight to avoid the negative consequences of a prostitution or solicitation conviction, please do not hesitate to contact James D. Owen, LLC. We know what it takes to win these types of cases, and we are ready to go to bat on your behalf.

Defenses Against Ohio Pimping and Pandering Charges

When facing charges for pimping or pandering, Columbus residents often believe that it is just a matter of time before the court convicts them and sends them to jail or prison. In reality, however, they can frequently get their case dismissed or charge reduced by:

• Arguing that the prosecuting attorney does not have enough evidence to prove their case
• Claiming that they only broke the law because a police officer forced them to do so
• Proving that they engaged in sexual activity for pleasure, not money
• Claiming that they did not know the other person was a sex worker

Do you want to have our knowledgeable defense attorneys analyze your case and let you know which strategy is most likely to help you secure a favorable outcome? Then please give us a call or send us a message online as soon as possible. Our team is always available to assist our friends and neighbors in Central Ohio.

Your Skilled Columbus Pimping and Pandering Defense Lawyer

Over the years, the attorneys at James D. Owen, LLC, have defended the people of Columbus against everything from sexual assault and battery to solicitation – achieving many favorable results along the way. We know what it takes to win complex legal battles, and we are ready to use our knowledge to assist you. Reach out to us today to set up a free consultation with one of our lawyers and learn more about our services.