State of Florida v. Chang Yang, Yuping Song, and Yihong Luo

Miami, Florida, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with prostitution at three massage parlors.



In Florida, all forms of prostitution, solicitation, and related activities are illegal, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses and procurement of a minor.



Penalties range from misdemeanor charges with fines and jail time for a first offense to felonies for subsequent offenses, with the procurement of a minor carrying a second-degree felony charge.



Activities prohibited include engaging in prostitution, soliciting, purchasing sexual services, and using or managing locations for prostitution. 



Prohibited acts Engaging in, soliciting, or procuring prostitution



Purchasing sexual servicesRenting out a space for prostitution



Directing or transporting someone for prostitution Residing in or frequenting a place for prostitution 



Penalties First offense: A misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a ($500) fine.



Second offense: A first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a ($1,000) fine.Third or subsequent offense:



A third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in jail and a ($5,000) fine.Procurement of a minor (under 18):



A second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in jail and a ($10,000) fine.Other potential penalties include probation, court costs, and community service. 



Other legal considerations "Exclusion zone": A penalty that can be imposed, where the individual is barred from a certain area.



Substance abuse programs: Pre-trial admission to a substance abuse program may be available for third and subsequent offenses.Defenses: Possible defenses include that the sexual activity was not for hire, entrapment, or that it was for a medical purpose. 



Yang faced charges of practicing a health care profession without a license and practicing massage therapy without a license. Her bond was $500.



Song faced charges of third or subsequent prostitution violation, practicing a health care profession without a license, and two counts of practicing massage therapy without a license. Her bond was $650.



Luo faced charges of second prostitution violation, practicing a health care profession without a license, and two counts of practicing massage therapy without a license. Her bond was $650.

Criminal charges are not proof of guilt.