Prostitution Arrest in Massachusetts

What happens if you are arrest on a Prostitution charge? While this is a very embarrassing charge, legally it can be a difficult charge for the Commonwealth to prove in Court.

While you commonly hear the charge referred to as Prostitution, in court you will be charged with Engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee in violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 53A.

In most cases, it is alleged that you attempted to solicit a prostitute, by answering some ad on Craig’s List or other website where the police were conducted a string operation. In these cases, you may have a defense that you were entrapped by the police.

The Commonwealth would have to prove the following elements in Court:

1. That you engaged or agreed to engage in sexual conduct with another;
2. That the sexual conduct was to be done in return for the fee.

The Courts have defined sexual conduct to include all commonly understood meanings of the term to encompass, sexual conduct, oral sex and masturbation.

Often, Attorney DelSignore can work out a resolution to avoid a criminal conviction with this type of charge. Attorney DelSignore understands the embarrassment and potential loss of employment that this charge can bring on; he will do everything he can to resolve the case as quickly as possible and keep the case away from any media attention.

It is important to not make any statements after being arrested for a criminal charge. Whether the statement is made to a police officer, the media or a this party, it can be used against you in Court.

In some of these cases, the police will arrest multiple people at one time. When this happens, often the media will publish a story about the string operation and could publish a booking photo from the arrest. When you are the only one arrested, and not part of string operation, it is less likely that the case will receive media attention. It is unpredictable to figure out whether the media will care about a particular case; it depends on the jurisdiction of the court, and what else is happening in the news on that day. After the first court date, typically cases do not receive any further attention in the papers.

This type of charge can often be resolved quickly with the prosecution without an admission of criminal conduct especially if you have no criminal record.

If you are arrested in a Prostitution sting operation, call or text Attorney DelSignore at 781-686-5924.