Prostitution Attorney in Greenbelt

Facing a Prostitution Charge? Turn to Maryland Defense Counsel Since 1976

If you were recently arrested or cited for prostitution or solicitation in or around Greenbelt, you’re likely worried about what comes next. A charge of this kind can affect your record, your job, your family, and depending on your circumstances, 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 sensitive this situation can feel, and we provide steady guidance rather than judgment. From the first call, we explain your options, track deadlines, and protect your rights throughout the court process.

Our firm has represented individuals in criminal cases since 1976. We handle sensitive charges discreetly. A person accused of a crime has the right to consult with counsel before discussing case facts with investigators or anyone else, and we encourage you to exercise that right early.

Facing charges in Maryland? Schedule a consultation online or call (240) 219-8980 to discuss your charge and next steps with our attorneys.

Criminal Defense Since 1976, Backed by Recognized Credentials

Our firm has handled criminal defense work in Maryland and Washington, D.C., courts for decades. We use that background to assess each client’s situation and 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 was selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2007 through 2024.

Washingtonian magazine named Mr. Brennan one of the top 75 lawyers in Washington. 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 was named to Super Lawyers from 2017 through 2024. Together, our attorneys bring many decades of criminal trial and negotiation experience to every case.

When you work with us, you deal with a firm that examines cases, manages paperwork and deadlines, and appears with you in court. If you’re looking for a prostitution defense attorney in Greenbelt, we can review your circumstances and explain the next steps in a confidential consultation.

Understanding Prostitution Charges in Maryland

Maryland Criminal Law §11-306 prohibits knowingly procuring, soliciting, or offering to procure or solicit prostitution or assignation. A violation of this statute is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both. The statute also includes an affirmative duress defense when the applicable statutory conditions are satisfied.

These cases often arise out of sting operations, online communications, or encounters that take place in hotels, vehicles, or public areas. An allegation may involve communications, an offer or agreement, an undercover investigation, or conduct that the State characterizes as procurement or solicitation. In some situations, police rely on recorded messages, text conversations, or undercover officer testimony as evidence.

Section 11-306 describes a specific misdemeanor charge. Allegations involving trafficking, minors, or coercion fall under separate statutes with different elements and consequences. The classification and potential penalties in any case depend on the statute charged, the alleged conduct, the available evidence, and the person’s prior record.

Beyond the direct criminal penalties, a conviction can appear on background checks and may create collateral consequences involving some employers, professional licensing, or immigration status, depending on your circumstances. For many people, the risk of public exposure or family consequences is as significant 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 in Greenbelt can review the circumstances, evaluate the evidence, and identify relevant legal and evidentiary issues.

What to Do After a Prostitution Arrest or Citation

First, try to stay calm and remember that you aren’t 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 didn’t intend.

Next, keep all documents you receive, including charging papers and any notice to appear. Organize texts, emails, or other information that you think may be important. Don’t delete, alter, or conceal potentially relevant messages, accounts, photographs, or records. Don’t 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.

When you contact Brennan McKenna & Lawlor, Chtd., our attorneys can review your documentation, identify upcoming deadlines, and explain the next steps. We handle filing requirements and hearing dates so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Prince George’s County Courts & Your Case

Prostitution and solicitation cases arising in Greenbelt are typically handled by the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County. The District Court has locations in Hyattsville and Upper Marlboro. Your charging document will identify the court and address where your appearance is required. A first appearance generally covers the charges, scheduling, and preliminary issues, though the specific procedure depends on how the case is postured.

Our attorneys have practiced in Maryland criminal courts for many years and are familiar with how cases move from an initial charging document through later hearings.

Our prostitution attorneys can communicate with prosecutors to explore possible resolutions. The options in any particular case depend on the statute charged, the evidence, and the client’s background and circumstances, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our experience in Washington, D.C. criminal courts is also useful when a case involves both jurisdictions.

How We Evaluate a Prostitution or Solicitation Case

Prostitution and solicitation allegations involve fact-intensive inquiries. Our attorneys evaluate how police conducted the investigation and what evidence the State may rely on, including police reports, recorded communications, text messages, and undercover officer testimony. We assess whether proper procedures were followed and whether there are grounds to challenge evidence or aspects of the investigation.

Potential defense issues can include whether the State can prove the required mental state under §11-306, whether the alleged communication establishes an offer or solicitation as the statute defines it, whether the evidence is authentic and complete, and whether law enforcement respected constitutional protections during the investigation. A defense lawyer can’t predict the result of a particular case from the charge name alone. We examine available facts before any decision is made.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a first prostitution charge?
Whether incarceration is possible depends on the statute charged, the facts, your prior record, and the court’s decisions. Our attorneys can review the statutory exposure and explain the sentencing factors that may apply to your circumstances.

Can a prostitution charge in Maryland stay off my record?
Maryland has specific rules about expungement and related record-clearing relief. Eligibility depends on your history and whether the case ended in dismissal, acquittal, probation before judgment, conviction, or another outcome. We can explain which possibilities may apply after reviewing the facts.

How will your attorneys handle my case confidentially?
Communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice are generally protected by attorney-client privilege, subject to applicable exceptions. We handle sensitive information with care and respect your privacy while explaining your options in the court system.

What happens at my first court date?
Your charging document will identify the court and address for your appearance. The first date may address the charge, scheduling, and other preliminary issues, but the procedure varies by case. We prepare clients beforehand to help them know what to expect and how to conduct themselves.

When should I contact a prostitution defense lawyer?
It’s usually advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest or citation. An early consultation can help preserve information, identify deadlines, and reduce the risk of unplanned statements.

Talk with Our Team About Your Case

If you’re facing a prostitution or solicitation charge tied to an incident in Greenbelt or elsewhere in Maryland, you don’t 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 draw on decades of criminal defense experience in Maryland and Washington, D.C. We provide clear explanations, prepare each case carefully, manage deadlines and paperwork, and represent clients from the first call through resolution.

Schedule a consultation online or call us at (240) 219-8980 to discuss your charge and next steps with our attorneys.