Man Charged with Patronizing a Prostitute Found Not Guilty

We recently helped an Indianapolis man who was charged for patronizing a prostitute. Our client allegedly agreed to pay an undercover officer for a sex act. He was concerned about what would happen to him because a first- or second-time patronizing conviction comes with penalties of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. On top of that, he would lose his job and have difficulty finding another one. Concerned about his future, he consulted with Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer Sean Hessler to see about taking his case.

Sean reviewed the details and evidence of the case, and his defense focused on the fact that there had been no agreement like the undercover officer had alleged. After the case was taken to trial, the judge heard evidence from both sides, and the client was found not guilty. In Indiana, charges for which a person is found not guilty are eligible for expungement, which means that the client does not face loss of employment, life-long public embarrassment, prison, or extensive court fines and costs.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.