Patronizing a prostitute may be classified as a misdemeanor in Washington, but the shame and anxiety surrounding this charge often feel far more serious. If you have been arrested for this crime, you can feel scared and overwhelmed—but you have the right to defend yourself. With the right legal strategy, many people in your position have successfully fought these charges or minimized their impact. Contact our Tacoma sex crimes lawyer and schedule your free case evaluation to discuss your legal options today.
What Constitutes Patronizing a Prostitute Under Washington Law?
Under RCW 9A.88.110, Washington law defines patronizing a prostitute in three distinct ways:
- First, you can be charged if you pay someone after sexual conduct has already occurred, based on a prior agreement.
- Second, the charge applies if you pay or agree to pay a fee with the expectation that sexual conduct will follow.
- Third, simply soliciting or requesting sexual conduct in exchange for a fee is enough to trigger the charge—no money actually has to change hands.
What surprises many people is how little needs to happen for prosecutors to move forward with a case. A text message, an email exchange, or even a verbal agreement can form the basis of a charge.
The Short and Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction
Because patronizing a prostitute is classified as a misdemeanor, the maximum criminal penalties include up to 90 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000, plus additional court costs, fees, and assessments. However, the consequences do not stop there.
Beyond these immediate penalties, a conviction creates a criminal record that appears on background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing applications. For non-citizens, the stakes climb even higher. A patronizing conviction can also carry severe immigration consequences, potentially resulting in deportation, denial of admission to the United States, or denial of naturalization.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Patronizing a Prostitute
The moments and days following an arrest can have a major impact on the outcome of a future criminal case. If you are charged with patronizing a prostitute, here is what you need to do:
- Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid discussing the circumstances of your arrest with anyone except your attorney.
- Contact a Washington criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, ideally before speaking with investigators or prosecutors.
- Document everything you remember about the incident, including the location, time, what was said, and who was present.
- Avoid any contact with individuals involved in your case, including alleged victims or co-defendants.
- Stay off social media and refrain from posting anything related to your arrest or charges.
Protect Your Future with Experienced Legal Counsel
Patronizing a prostitute in Washington carries consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz has spent years defending clients throughout Washington who find themselves facing these exact circumstances. Attorney Mark S. Treyz approaches each case with discretion and a clear-eyed focus on protecting what matters most to you. If you are facing a patronizing charge, contact us at (253) 272-8666 today for a confidential consultation about your defense options.