Sometimes called “the oldest profession,” prostitution can take many forms, from streetwalkers and brothels to sophisticated call-girl or escort services. Prostitution laws make it a crime to offer, agree to, or engage in a sexual act for compensation. Prostitution is considered a sex crime in Henrico Virginia and a conviction carries jail time and huge fines. Laws against prostitution criminalize the proposal of, an agreement to, or participation in any form of the sexual activity for compensation. Specifically, prostitution happens when a person trades sexual favors, sexual contact, or the like for financial or other compensation. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to twelve months in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2500. Pandering or promoting prostitution, commonly known as “pimping” and human trafficking are punished even more severely. By taking or detaining a person for purposes of prostitution, receiving money for placing a person in a place or situation for the purposes of illegal sexual acts, one faces Class 4 felony charges.
Henrico Virginia Prostitution Laws and Provisions:
If an individual performs sexual acts for money, or if an individual offers to perform sexual acts for money or an equivalent, then the individual is guilty of prostitution. Section 18.2-346(A). However, the last element of the crime is that the individual then follows up the offer by performing sexual acts or at least “does any substantial act in furtherance thereof.” This crime is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Section 18.2-346(A). Thus, an individual charged with prostitution faces up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.Similarly, if an individual offers money to a person in exchange for sexual acts, then the individual is guilty of solicitation of prostitution, which is also a Class 1 misdemeanor. Section 18.2-346(B). Thus, the individual faces penalties of up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Section 18.2-11(a).
Section 18.2-346(B). If the individual solicits prostitution from a minor who is at least 16 years old, then the crime (solicitation of prostitution) is treated as a Class 6 felony. Section 18.2-346(B)(i). In such a case, the individual faces a felony conviction with one to five years in prison, or, at the discretion of the court or a jury, lessened penalties of up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Section 18.2-10(f).
A “bawdy place” is defined as any place (whether inside or outside a building) that is used for prostitution or assignation (a secret rendezvous between lovers). Section 18.2-347. If an individual (1) keeps, lives at or visits a bawdy place (2) for immoral purposes (e.g., prostitution), then the individual is guilty of keeping, residing in, or frequenting a bawdy place– a Class 1 misdemeanor. Section 18.2-347. Thus, the individual faces up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Section 18.2-11(a). However, each day that the bawdy place is kept, resided in, or visited constitutes a separate offense. Section 18.2-347.
The above-mentioned provisions from the Henrico Virginia Prostitution Laws show that prostitution is considered an illicit act there and is punished severely.