Whittel & Melton, LLC 866-608-5529 – Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys
A 47-year-old woman arrested in a Manatee County prostitution bust last Friday is accused of offering sexual services to an undercover detective in exchange for two double cheeseburgers off the dollar menu at a McDonald’s.
The woman was apparently approached by the detective working in the Manatee County Sheriff Office’s special investigations division while walking down a Florida street.
The detective invited the woman into his car and the conversation apparently turned to sex.
The report states the woman told the man her fee would be two double cheeseburgers. The detective purchased the two cheeseburgers for $2.75.
The woman allegedly told the man he could tip her $40 for her services.
According to police, the woman was arrested and charged with prostitution after giving the detective directions to a vacant lot.
She was released from jail on Saturday.
Prostitution is illegal in almost every state, including the state of Florida. While prostitution is often viewed as a harmless, nonviolent crime, Florida law enforcement agents aggressively seek arrests for these acts in an effort to establish a sense of moral justice within the community. In fact, detectives looking to “take a tough stance against crime” often rely on undercover prostitution stings to net a substantial number of arrests. These stings use decoy officers looking to catch unsuspecting men and women engaging in or soliciting prostitution. If you were arrested for prostitution in Florida, it is essential to discuss your case with a sex crimes criminal defense lawyer to understand the full legal consequences you are facing.
A first-time conviction for prostitution can result in up to 60 days in county jail. A second conviction carries up to one year in jail. A third or subsequent prostitution conviction is classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. There are also non-legal penalties attached to prostitution crimes that can significantly damage your reputation, personal life and career.
The Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can investigate your case to see if you were incorrectly charged or if any evidence was illegally obtained. We can also explore the possibility of police misconduct or entrapment as a defense to the charges against you. In addition, we can review police reports to make sure that your arrest was conducted properly and that police read you your rights. Regardless of what your best defense may be, our attorneys will thoroughly inspect police conduct to ensure your Constitutional rights were not violated in any way.
If you have been arrested for prostitution in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or dial us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.