Prostitution Attorney in Greenbelt

Facing A Prostitution Charge & Unsure What To Do Next?

If you were recently arrested or cited for prostitution or solicitation in or around Greenbelt, you are likely worried about what comes next. A single charge can affect your record, your job, your family, and even your immigration status. You may not know where to turn or whom to trust.

At Brennan McKenna & Lawlor, Chtd., we defend people charged with serious criminal offenses across Maryland, including prostitution related charges. We understand how stressful and embarrassing this situation can feel, and we work to provide steady guidance rather than judgment. From the first call, our goal is to help you understand your options and protect what matters most to you.

Our firm has been representing individuals in criminal cases since 1976. That history, combined with the credentials of our attorneys, gives us a strong foundation to handle sensitive charges with discretion and care.

Facing charges in Maryland? Don't wait to build your defense. Schedule a consultation online or call (240) 219-8980 to speak with our prostitution attorneys today.

Why Turn To Our Defense Team

When you are choosing someone to stand between you and a criminal conviction, experience and reputation matter. Our firm has handled criminal defense work in Maryland and Washington, D.C., courts for decades. We use that background to carefully assess each client’s situation and to develop strategies that fit the specific facts of the case.

William Brennan has been licensed in Maryland since 1976 and in Washington, D.C. since 1977. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, which reflects strong ratings from peers and judges. He has been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2007 through 2024, and he was listed in Best Lawyers in America in 2006.

Mr. Brennan was named one of the top 75 lawyers in Washington by Washingtonian magazine in an article titled “Best 75 Lawyers.” He was also named a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2000, an honor that recognizes significant trial experience. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Association since 1999.

Our team also includes John McKenna, licensed in Maryland since 1994 and selected to Super Lawyers from 2012 through 2018 and again from 2020 through 2024. Michael Lawlor has been licensed in Maryland since 1997 and in Washington, D.C. since 1998, and he has been named to Super Lawyers from 2017 through 2024. Together, our attorneys bring many decades of criminal trial and negotiation experience to every matter.

When you work with us, you deal with a firm that examines cases carefully, manages paperwork and deadlines, and appears with you in court. If you are looking for a prostitution defense attorney Greenbelt residents can turn to for clear advice and steady representation, we are ready to discuss your situation confidentially.

Understanding Prostitution Charges In Maryland

To make informed choices, it helps to understand what you are actually accused of. Maryland law covers prostitution, solicitation, and related offenses such as assigning or receiving payment for sexual activity. These cases often arise out of sting operations, online communications, or encounters that take place in hotels, vehicles, or public areas.

Prostitution charges can target people who law enforcement believes offered sexual services for money, as well as people accused of requesting or arranging those services. In some situations, police rely on recorded messages, text conversations, or undercover officer testimony. The specific charge and potential penalties depend on the alleged conduct, any prior record, and other factors the court is allowed to consider.

Possible consequences of a conviction may include fines, probation, and the possibility of time in jail, depending on the circumstances. Beyond the direct criminal penalties, there are often collateral effects. A prostitution related conviction can appear on background checks, may create problems with some employers, and can affect professional licensing or immigration matters. For some people, the risk of public exposure or family consequences is just as frightening as the formal sentence.

Each case turns on details such as how police conducted the investigation, what was actually said or agreed to, and whether the state can meet its burden of proof. A prostitution defense lawyer Greenbelt residents contact early in the process can review the circumstances, evaluate evidence, and begin to identify possible defenses or ways to limit long term impact.

What To Do After An Arrest

The hours and days after a prostitution arrest or citation can feel overwhelming. Having a clear list of steps can help you protect your rights and avoid choices that might make your situation harder. What you do now can shape how your case unfolds in court.

First, try to stay calm and remember that you are not required to answer questions about the allegations. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer before discussing the incident with police or investigators. Many people feel pressure to explain themselves, but unplanned statements can be used later in ways they did not intend.

Next, keep all documents you receive, including charging papers and any notice to appear in the District Court located in Prince George’s County. Organize texts, emails, or other information that you think may be important. Do not post about the situation on social media or discuss details with friends, coworkers, or anyone besides your lawyer, since those conversations might become part of the case.

If you are seeking legal assistance, we recommend contacting a prostitution attorney whom Greenbelt residents can speak directly with. By contacting Brennan McKenna & Lawlor, Chtd., our attorneys will review your documentation, identify upcoming deadlines, and clearly explain the next steps. Our team handles filing requirements and hearing dates so you don't have to navigate the process alone.

Helpful steps to take after a prostitution arrest:

• Preserve all paperwork and digital information connected to the incident.
• Avoid making statements about the case to anyone other than your lawyer.
• Do not assume you must plead guilty without first understanding your options.
• Contact a prostitution defense attorney Greenbelt residents rely on for guidance before your first court date.

How A Local Defense Lawyer Helps

Prostitution and solicitation cases from Greenbelt usually proceed in the District Court for Prince George’s County, and in some situations, they may later involve other Maryland courts. Working with lawyers who regularly appear in these courts can affect how smoothly your case is handled and how well you understand each stage.

Our attorneys have practiced in Maryland criminal courts for many years. We are familiar with how cases move from an initial charging document to arraignment and later hearings. We work to review police reports, recorded communications, and any other available evidence to see whether law enforcement followed proper procedures and whether there are grounds to challenge aspects of the investigation.

A prostitution attorney Greenbelt residents hire from our firm can also communicate with prosecutors to explore possible resolutions. Depending on the facts, this may involve discussing charge reductions, diversion opportunities that might exist, or other approaches that could help limit long term consequences. The options in any particular case depend on the statutes, the evidence, and the client’s background, so we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach.

We also focus on the broader impact of the case on your life. Our attorneys explain how a conviction or plea might affect employment, education, security clearances, and immigration matters. We work with you to prioritize what is most important, whether that is avoiding jail, protecting your record, or reducing public exposure. Throughout your case, our goal is to keep you informed so that you can make decisions with a clear understanding of the risks and potential benefits.

Because our firm has been representing clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C. since 1976, and because our lawyers are active in state and national criminal defense organizations, we bring a wide base of legal knowledge to each matter. If you are searching for a prostitution defense lawyer Greenbelt residents can trust to take their case seriously, our team is prepared to talk with you about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a first prostitution charge?

Many first-time prostitution cases do not result in jail, but the risk depends on the specific charge, the facts, and your prior record. Judges in Maryland have significant discretion. A lawyer can review your situation and discuss what courts in this area commonly consider.

Can a prostitution charge in Maryland stay off my record?

In some situations, there may be options that limit the long-term impact on your record, depending on the outcome of the case and your history. Maryland has specific rules about expungement and related relief. We can explain which possibilities may apply to your circumstances.

How will your attorneys handle my case confidentially?

We treat prostitution cases with strict confidentiality. Our communications with you are protected by attorney client privilege, and we handle sensitive information with care. Our lawyers focus on respecting your privacy while giving you honest advice about your options in the court system.

What happens at my first court date in Greenbelt?

For charges arising in Greenbelt, your first appearance is typically in the District Court for Prince George’s County. The court generally informs you of the charges and addresses scheduling and related issues. We prepare clients beforehand so they know what to expect and how to respond.

When should I contact a prostitution defense lawyer?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest or citation. Early involvement allows us to review evidence, protect your rights during any questioning, and monitor important deadlines. Prompt legal advice can help you avoid decisions that might hurt your case later.

Talk With Our Team About Your Case

If you are facing a prostitution or solicitation charge tied to an incident in Greenbelt or elsewhere in Maryland, you do not have to face the court system alone. Speaking with our attorneys can help you understand the legal process, the range of potential outcomes, and the choices that may be available to you.

At Brennan McKenna & Lawlor, Chtd., we bring decades of criminal defense experience, respected professional ratings, and a commitment to client rights to every case. We strive to provide clear explanations, careful preparation, and steady representation from your first call through the resolution of your matter.

Schedule a consultation online or call us at (240) 219-8980 to speak with our prostitution attorney. Get the strategic guidance and peace of mind you need to move forward.