Practice Area
Prostitution and solicitation charges in Virginia carry criminal penalties and significant collateral consequences including public arrest records and sex offender registration in certain cases. D.J. Rivera provides discreet, aggressive defense for all prostitution-related charges.
Free Confidential Consultation — 24/7Virginia Code § 18.2-346 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to offer to perform or engage in sexual acts for money or its equivalent. Both the person offering sexual services and the person soliciting them can be charged. Virginia also criminalizes keeping, residing in, or visiting a bawdy place (§ 18.2-347), and taking money from a prostitute's earnings (§ 18.2-357). Sex trafficking — compelling another person to engage in prostitution — is a serious felony under § 18.2-357.1.
Many prostitution arrests arise from undercover police operations — both in person and online. D.J. Rivera scrutinizes the conduct of undercover officers for entrapment and challenges the sufficiency of the evidence in cases based on online communications.
| Offense | Code | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prostitution / Solicitation | § 18.2-346 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months / $2,500 fine |
| Soliciting Minor for Prostitution | § 18.2-346 | Class 6 Felony | Up to 5 years |
| Keeping a Bawdy Place | § 18.2-347 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months / $2,500 fine |
| Receiving Money from Prostitution | § 18.2-357 | Class 4 Felony | 2–10 years |
| Sex Trafficking (adult) | § 18.2-357.1 | Class 5 Felony | 1–10 years |
| Sex Trafficking (minor) | § 18.2-357.1 | Class 3 Felony | 5–20 years |
| Federal Sex Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 1591) | Federal | Federal Felony | 15 years to life (minor) |
Entrapment: Many prostitution arrests arise from undercover police operations. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they were not predisposed to commit. D.J. Rivera evaluates the conduct of undercover officers and challenges cases where the police created the criminal opportunity rather than merely responding to it.
Challenging the sufficiency of the offer: Prostitution requires an actual offer to perform sexual acts for money. Ambiguous communications — particularly in online sting operations — may not constitute a legally sufficient offer. D.J. Rivera challenges the prosecution's interpretation of the alleged communications.
Digital evidence challenges: Online prostitution stings rely on text messages, emails, and website communications. D.J. Rivera, with his background in computer engineering and Internet law, is uniquely qualified to challenge the authenticity, attribution, and context of digital communications in these cases.
Protecting privacy and minimizing public exposure: D.J. Rivera understands that privacy is a paramount concern in prostitution cases. He works to resolve cases discreetly, minimize public court appearances, and protect clients from unnecessary public exposure.
Your privacy matters. D.J. Rivera provides discreet, aggressive defense. Confidential consultation available 24/7.
Get Your Free Confidential Consultation