Call us 24/7: (515) 279-9700
1200 Valley West Dr. #400 West Des Moines, IA 50266

Prostitution / Solicitation

Despite being referred to as “the world’s oldest profession,” the act of engaging in sexual relations for compensation is illegal. In Iowa, people are also prohibited from simply offering to engage in commercial sex.

The penalties for this crime can be quite serious. A person who is convicted of these types of charges faces the possibility of lengthy jail times and steep fines. Many of these cases involve a wrongful arrest during a sting operation. Law enforcement officers are being particularly aggressive when using online message boards such as Backpage.com.

Attorney Prostitution Crimes in Des Moines, Iowa

A conviction for any type of prostitution offense can have profoundly damaging consequences for a person’s personal and professional life. If you have been accused of selling, buying, or any other active role in sexual activity for compensation, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. defends clients accused of these crimes in the greater Des Moines area, including West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Ankeny, and Altoona. We will proved an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.

Let us put our experience to work for you. Call (515) 279-9700 today.

Information Center

Back to top

Prostitution / Solicitation Offenses in Iowa

Chapter 725 of the Iowa Code contains several sections relating to “vice” crimes. A vice is viewed as an immoral or sinful behavior, and some of the offenses that are contained in state law include:

  • Prostitution — Under Iowa Code § 725.1, it is an aggravated misdemeanor if a person sells, offers for sale,  purchases, or offers to purchase services as a partner in a sex act.
  • Pimping— Under Iowa Code § 725.2, it is a class “D” felony if a person solicits a patron for a prostitute, knowingly takes or shares in the earnings of a prostitute, or knowingly furnishes a room or other place to be used for prostitution regardless of whether it is for compensation.
  • Pandering – Under Iowa Code § 725.3, it is a class “D” felony if a person persuades, arranges, coerces, or otherwise causes another person who is not minor to become a prostitute or to return to the practice of prostitution after having abandoned it, or keeps or maintains any premises for prostitution or takes a share in the income from such premises knowing the character and content of such income. If the other person is a minor, then this is a class “C” felony.
  • Leasing Premises for Prostitution — Under Iowa Code § 725.4, it is a serious misdemeanor if a person renting or letting any building, structure or part thereof, boat, trailer, or other place offering shelter or seclusion, fails to terminate the tenancy or effectively put an end to the practice of prostitution in such place immediately upon knowing or having reason to know that the lessee or tenant is using such for prostitution.

Back to top

Prostitution / Solicitation Penalties in Iowa

Convictions for any solicitation or prostitution crimes in Iowa can carry some substantial consequences, depending on the classification of the offense. Punishments can include:

  • Serious Misdemeanor — Under Iowa Code § 903.1(1)(b), up to one-year imprisonment and/or fine of at least $315, up to $1,875

 

  • Aggravated Misdemeanor — Under Iowa Code § 903.1(2), up to two years imprisonment and fine of at least $675, up to $6,250
  • Class “D” Felony — Under Iowa Code § 902.9, up to five years imprisonment and fine of at least $750, up to $7,500
  • Class “C” Felony — Under Iowa Code § 902.9, up to 10 years imprisonment and fine of at least $1,000, up to $10,000

Back to top

Iowa Prostitution / Solicitation Defenses

Whether you were caught amid a sting operation by authorities or simple confusion about your intent led to you being arrested, you need to understand that several defenses can result in the charges against you being reduced or possibly even dismissed.

Some of these defenses for solicitation and prostitution crimes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Entrapment
  • False accusations
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Lack of criminal intent
  • No exchange of compensation
  • Police misconduct 

Back to top

Additional Resources

Iowa Department of Human Services — The child prostitution of the human service agency contains links to report abuse and fraud, lists of services, and applications for assistance programs.

22 North Georgia Avenue #1
Mason City, Iowa 50401
Phone: (641) 424-9977

Braking Traffik – Organization dedicated to eradicating sex trafficking in the Quad City area of Iowa and Illinois. The website contains links to get help, give donations, or participate in advocacy efforts.

2800 Eastern Avenue
Davenport, Iowa 52803

Polaris Project – Iowa page of a global organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking. The website contains links to publications, state laws, and local organizations.

Hotline: (888) 373-7888

Back to top

Find a Solicitation Lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa

Every case is different, and so is every client. McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. takes the time to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding an arrest, and we use that information to develop the strongest, most formidable defense for any person we represent.

Iowa law provides for different types of prostitution crimes including offering to sell or purchase, pimping by soliciting a patron or sharing in earnings, and pimping by furnishing a room for prostitution.

Our firm provides aggressive defense for people in Warren County, Polk County, Madison County, Guthrie County, and Dallas County. Let us see how we can help you by calling to schedule a free and no-obligation consultation.

Call (515) 279-9700 today.