For eight months now Seattle criminal defense attorneys have been working under the principles of a new prostitution law in Washington State. In June 2010, the new prostitution law increased what a person may face if convicted of promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor – minor/teen prostitution. Because of the new legislation, such acts are now considered Class A felonies and those convicted of such charges face a longer prison sentence; the charge is now punishable with a prison sentence of up to 7 - 10 years, an increase of 5 - 8 years from years past. The legislation also increases incarceration periods for men who are convicted of paying for the services of underage prostitutes to approximately 2 years, an increase of 21 months from years past – for first time offenders. Those convicted of promoting minor prostitution, or for paying for a minor prostitute’s services, also face increased costs, fees and assessments upon conviction. Finally, the June 2010 law mandates that those convicted of selling or buying minors sexual services to register as a sex offender for a period of no less than 15 years after their prison term is served. The enhanced penalties have caused Washington State to become a national leader in the government’s effort to punish those convicted of being “pimps” or “johns”.
In many instances, a qualified Seattle defense lawyer can significantly reduce the impact that a criminal charge will have on an individual’s life and profession. The right Seattle criminal lawyer will be worth his/her weight in gold when protecting a person’s rights, freedom and future. The Seattle criminal defense lawyers that make up the litigation team of SQ Attorneys are dedicated to defending those accused of committing a crime. They have the experience, knowledge and resources to successfully defend your case and to protect you from the consequences that may arise as a result of the criminal allegations. Unlike other law firms that practice in many areas of the law, SQ Attorneys is focused on criminal defense in Western Washington.
If you or a loved one is faced with a criminal charge such as promoting a prostitute or paying for the services of a prostitute in Western Washington, you deserve the assistance of a reputable and qualified Seattle criminal attorney who will relentlessly defend your case. You deserve a Seattle criminal defense lawyer who has an intimate understanding of Washington’s criminal laws and the legal issues that could win your case. You deserve a Seattle criminal defense attorney who is not afraid to stand up against the prosecution and aggressively fight for your rights and interests. SQ Attorneys is the right Western Washington law firm for the job. Call for a free initial consultation – (206) 441.0900 (Seattle); (425) 998-8384 (Eastside) – it will be the best decision you make all day.