Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
Illinois Massage Parlor Offenses
Have you been charged with a crime as a result of patronizing a massage parlor? Does your charge involve employment in a massage parlor or employment of others offering massage parlor services? If your charge involves a sexual offense, you could be facing very serious consequences and public exposure of your alleged activities. You need an able Chicago criminal defense attorney to fight for your legal rights and your privacy when you're charged with Illinois massage parlor offenses.
What Crimes Result in Massage Parlor Arrests?
Obviously, just owning a massage parlor, or giving a massage, or paying for a professional massage are all perfectly legal activities. But occasionally, massage parlors offer "extra" services that involve acts intended for sexual gratification. Overzealous law enforcement activities could lead authorities to mistake a legal establishment and its patrons for the other sort. Some of the charges relating to Illinois massage parlor offenses might include:
- Pandering - in return for money or something of value, compelling a person into prostitution or arranging a situation in which a person may practice prostitution.
- Keeping a Place of Prostitution - granting or permitting use of a place for the purpose of prostitution, allowing use of a place under circumstances from you could reasonably know it's used for such purpose, or permitting continued use of the place for that purpose after learning of the illegal activity.
- Pimping - receiving money or something of value from someone knowing that the currency was obtained by means of prostitution.
- Prostitution - offering, agreeing to perform, or performing a sexual act in return for money or something of value.
- Solicitation - soliciting a person for the purpose of prostitution, arranging a meeting for the purpose of prostitution, or directing another to a place for the purpose of prostitution.
- Patronizing a Prostitute - engaging in a sexual act with a prostitute, remaining in a place of prostitution intending to engage in such an act, or engaging in genital fondling with a prostitute.
Penalties for Sexual Crimes Charged in a Massage Parlor Context
The possible Illinois massage parlor offenses listed in the previous section involve charges ranging from Class A misdemeanors, through Class 4 felonies, and up to Class 3 felonies. Class 3 felonies can put you in prison for up to 5 years and involve thousands of dollars in fines. Even a Class A misdemeanor can land you in jail for up to a year. Most of these crimes can be charged in any of these categories depending upon the circumstances of your alleged act. Repeat offenses, or offenses occurring within 1,000 feet of a school, or involving a minor incur the heavier penalties. A knowledgeable Chicago criminal defense attorney could explain why your charge is a misdemeanor or a serious felony.
Strong and Experienced Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
Michael P. Schmiege knows the weaknesses of some of the charges you might face. For instance, the prosecutor has to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that you are guilty of the charged Illinois massage parlor offense. You are presumed innocent until the prosecutor can prove you guilty. And after the fact, it could be difficult for the prosecutor to marshal the evidence to prove that you were not simply obtaining a legal, professional massage.
You need to keep the blot of a sexual offense off your record. Your key could be an adept and diligent Chicago criminal defense attorney like Michael P. Schmiege. Mr. Schmiege will stand beside you through every step of the legal process, and assert strong defenses on your behalf. But time is of the essence in building an effective legal strategy and solid legal defense. Contact Chicago Criminal Lawyer Mr. Schmiege for your free legal consultation. He could help you understand what to expect as you go through the legal process, and how you might successfully beat your charges and minimize their impact on your life. Call today.
Contact Chicago Criminal Lawyer Michael P. Schmiege today if you have been charged with a crime.