Asked about 3 years ago - Horsham, PA
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I responded to a craigslist escorts ad and the girl did not pick up. But after a while, I got a call from a different phone number asking to meet up in a hotel at some time. I never mentioned sex or anything over the phone. But when I went there, some law personnels were there and they busted me saying that either I could get arrested or if I cooperate, I would sign some papers and leave. I was given a bunch of papers to read and sign. Basically asking me to give up my rights for a trial. I did not think much and signed. They told me that I will be getting a ticket in the mail and I would pay a fine. The ticket would be for a misdemeanor or disorderly conduct or a summary offense. I am not sure which one.
I am a green card holder. Will this affect my status and can I get deported?
A disorderly ticket is a misdemeanor. Because the underlying charge invloves an "Offer to engage the services of a prostitute", there will be some problems with your green card status. A crime of this sort is looked at by INS as a crime involving Moral Turpitude and that is a potential ground for deportation.
You must fight the charge, not simply take care of it. You have a good defense since you never discussed money or sex. This sounds like it was a sting operation and unfortunately you got caught up in it. I would suggest you call the PA Bar Association and get a reccomendation for an attorney who locally handels these cases.
You need a lawyer.
Disorderly conduct may be a summary offense or a misdemeanor. In either case you should have a lawyer to try and keep this off your record. I have seen these sting operations but I have not seen them asking people to give up their right to trial. As to the immigration it would depend on the charges filed.
You absolutly need the services of an attorney. You would need both a Criminal Defense Attorney and an Immigration attorney. We have worked on several cases such as this with an immigration attorney and have found that a coordinated effort on the part of both attorneys is essential.
The situation that you described sounds exactly like the sting operations that law enforcement in the five county philadelphia area have been running for several years now. The fact that you signed papers waving your right to a trial is irrelevant. You cannot give up your right to trial at the time of your arrest. Even if you waived your preliminary hearing in front of a Magesterail District Justice without counsel you can still have the Prelimiary Hearing or a simlar hearing .
Remember the police are not looking out for your rights but an attorney will.
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