Norfolk a ‘Hotbed’ for Prostitution on East Coast
Prostitution is rampant in Hampton Roads, and particularly in Norfolk. But what you may not know is that Virginia punishes many related charges . . . many of which prohibit supplementary activity. If you have been charged with prostitution or any offense that involves an alleged prostitute, call your Norfolk and Virginia Beach serving attorney for immediate consultation and peace of mind.
Prostitution is generally defined as accepting money or something of value in return for an adulterous encounter or fornication. “Fornication” means sexual contact between non-married individuals. Prostitution itself is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Similarly, Solicitation of prostitution is a Class 1 misdemeanor and entails the offering of money (or its equivalent) for sexual acts defined by the relevant statutes. See Virginia Code §§ 18.2-341, 46, and 61.
To view a graphical representation of Prostitution offenses in Virginia Beach, the Pilot Online display can be accessed to view locations of previous reported offenses. According to a Google sponsored map, 222 prostitution offenses are marked as having occurred in given local locations. Both offenses of prostitution and solicitation can lead to confinement for up to 1 year and/or fines of $2,500 – all the more reason not to dismiss a charge as minor, and to consult your local and trusted Virginia Beach or Norfolk Criminal Defense Lawyer.
You may be surprised to know that according to investigators cited in a recent article from the Virginia Pilot, “Norfolk is up there with Boston; New York; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore and New Jersey [as hotbeds for prostitution activity].”