The majority of women in sex work are in it because it pays the bills and more. Occasionally, it allows them to earn more than a day job. But working in prostitution comes with a lot of dangers. As prostitution remains illegal in Minnesota, sex workers have no rights and privileges and are constantly in danger of arrest.
What constitutes prostitution in Minnesota?
Minnesota law defines prostitution as the act of “engaging or offering or agreeing to engage for hire in sexual penetration or sexual contact”. Generally, prostitution means exchanging sexual favors for money, drugs, or other items of value.
Prostitution and escort services are also different, even though many use them interchangeably. Clients pay escorts for their time; escorts either accompany or entertain the client. Prostitutes are paid for sexual acts. However, if an escort proposes or agrees to engage in sexual activity, the escort may face heavy criminal charges.
Seeking legal help
Women enter prostitution mostly for the sake of money. A Minnesota woman engaging in prostitution could earn up to $500 to $1000 on a good day.
However, while a few make the decision to do sex work themselves, some women are forced into it. Those in need of money, whether to support their families, survive after divorce or pay for their drug habit, may resort to sex work as a last resort. Others are victims of human trafficking.
A sex worker may also experience brutality from clients and handlers. Many are victims of severe physical abuse, rape or theft. While Minnesota law enforcement takes prostitution arrests very seriously, they may not be sympathetic to the plights of the sex worker themselves. Those accused of sex work might benefit from hiring an assertive and experienced attorney to defend them and negotiate for reduced or dropped charges.