Prostitution Charges Defense

Defend Your Reputation and Your Freedom with Attorney Elias Damianakos

In Arizona, prostitution and related offenses are prosecuted aggressively—and the laws surrounding them can be confusing, overlapping, and severe. If you’ve been charged with prostitution, solicitation, pimping, pandering, or any related offense, you don’t have to face it alone. Elias Damianakos is a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Tucson—and a former prosecutor—who knows how the system works from both sides.

Understanding Arizona and Tucson’s Prostitution Laws

Prostitution-related charges in Arizona fall under several statutes, each with different definitions and penalties. These laws often overlap, meaning a single incident can lead to multiple charges. The two primary statutes are:

• A.R.S. § 13-3211: Defines prostitution and related terms.
• A.R.S. § 13-3214: Establishes the penalties for engaging in prostitution.

Local municipalities also have their own ordinances. For instance, Tucson City Code § 11-28 criminalizes both the act and solicitation of prostitution.

What Constitutes Prostitution in Arizona?

Under Arizona law, prostitution involves agreeing to or engaging in sexual activity for money or anything of value. The exchange doesn’t need to be completed for a charge to apply—intent alone can be enough for prosecution.

Solicitation, often addressed in city codes, occurs when someone attempts to convince or hire another person for the purposes of prostitution. This can include verbal offers or suggestive behavior that implies a transaction is being proposed.

Associated Offenses: Pimping, Pandering, and More

Many people use the term “pimping” to describe a range of behaviors, but Arizona law defines these more precisely:

• Pandering (A.R.S. § 13-3209): Involves encouraging or coercing someone to engage in prostitution or placing them in a situation where prostitution is likely to occur. This is a Class 5 felony.
• Receiving Earnings of a Prostitute (A.R.S. § 13-3204): Accepting money or valuables earned through prostitution, regardless of involvement in the act itself. Also a Class 5 felony.
• Debt Prostitution (A.R.S. § 13-3207): Forcing or encouraging a person to engage in prostitution to work off a debt is likewise a Class 5 felony.
• Enticement (A.R.S. § 13-3201): Convincing someone to enter a brothel or similar location for sex work. This is a Class 6 felony.
• Procurement (A.R.S. § 13-3203): Receiving money in exchange for placing someone in a prostitution setting. A variant, Procurement by False Pretenses (A.R.S. § 13-3202), occurs when someone is tricked into engaging in sexual activity. These are Class 5 felonies.

Penalties for Prostitution in Arizona

The consequences of a prostitution conviction vary based on prior offenses:

• First Offense: Class 1 misdemeanor
• Minimum: 15 days jail
• Maximum: 180 days jail, $2,500 fine, up to 3 years probation
• Second Offense: Minimum 30 days jail
• Third Offense: Minimum 60 days jail
• Fourth Offense or More: Charged as a Class 5 felony
• Penalty: 180 days to 2.5 years in prison

These penalties don’t just affect your freedom—they can damage your personal and professional reputation for years to come.

Defending Against Prostitution Charges

There are several strategies that can be used to fight prostitution-related allegations:

• Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove both intent and an exchange of value for sex.
• Entrapment: This is a common defense, particularly in undercover sting operations. If law enforcement persuaded you to do something you wouldn’t normally do, it may qualify.
• Consensual Sexual Conduct: If no payment was exchanged, the act may not meet the legal definition of prostitution.

Importantly, because prostitution is considered a crime of moral turpitude, you are entitled to a jury trial, even if the charge is a misdemeanor.

If the facts aren’t in your favor, a skilled attorney can still often negotiate a more favorable plea deal—potentially avoiding jail time and reducing the long-term impact on your record.

Why Choose Elias Damianakos?

As a former prosecutor, Elias Damianakos brings unique insight into how the state builds and tries these cases. He has successfully defended clients across Southern Arizona facing serious charges, and he understands the personal and legal stakes involved.

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• Personalized defense strategies
• Aggressive protection of your rights and reputation

Get Help Now

If you’ve been charged with any prostitution-related offense in Tucson or anywhere in Arizona, don’t wait. Contact Elias Damianakos today for a free and confidential consultation. Early intervention can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

Call now: 520-222-8270