Maine Bill Would Lower Penalty for Repeated Prostitution

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Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A Maine bill would lower the criminal penalty for repeatedly engaging in prostitution.

Democratic Rep. Charlotte Warren’s bill would impact individuals who are convicted for engaging in prostitution and then face subsequent prostitution convictions within two years. Her bill’s set for a Friday hearing.

An online summary of the bill says Maine would continue to consider a first offense of engaging in prostitution as a Class E crime punishable by up to six months in county jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

Current state law says those convicted of prostitution again within two years can face Class D crime penalties of up to one year in county jail and a $2,000 fine.

Warren’s bill would classify engaging in prostitution as a Class E crime for first and subsequent offenses.

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