Table of Contents
Facing procuring or living on the avails of prostitution charges in the GTA can lead to severe legal consequences, including jail time and a permanent criminal record.
Those looking to hire an expert defence lawyer for procuring prostitution charges should consider GSP Law which has extensive experience navigating these complex cases.
This guide explains the legal definitions, potential penalties, and defence strategies that can make a difference in court.
What Are Procuring & Living on the Avails Charges?
These offences fall under Canada’s Criminal Code and carry serious penalties if convicted.
- Procuring (Section 286.1) – Persuading or coercing someone into prostitution
- Living on the Avails (Section 286.2) – Benefiting financially from someone else’s prostitution
- Aggravated Offences – Involving minors or exploitation increase penalties
Police and prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, making skilled legal defence essential.
Potential Penalties If Convicted
A conviction for procuring or living on the avails of prostitution doesn’t just carry a sentence—it can derail your entire future. The courts treat these charges seriously, and the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom.
1. Criminal Record
That conviction stamp doesn’t fade – it sticks to your name forever. Try applying for a bank job or teaching position with prostitution charges on your record? Most HR departments won’t even finish reading your application.
Renting an apartment? Many landlords run background checks now. Dreaming of a Vegas trip? U.S. border guards routinely turn away Canadians with any criminal history. Even volunteering at your kid’s school becomes an uphill battle when the parent council demands clean record checks.
One client put it bluntly: “After my conviction, I couldn’t even get hired to wash dishes.” The system makes you pay long after the court case ends.
2. Jail Time
The courts impose harsh sentences to deter these offences. For basic charges, judges typically hand down 2-5 years, with maximum sentences reaching a decade.
Cases involving minors or exploitation trigger mandatory minimums—you’ll serve at least 5 years, with possible life imprisonment for aggravated circumstances.
The Ontario Court of Justice recently sentenced a first-time offender to 3 years for procuring, showing how even without prior convictions, the penalties remain severe.
3. Additional Consequences
Prosecutors often seize assets under proceeds of crime laws, taking cars, homes, or cash suspected of being connected to offences. Beyond legal penalties, the social stigma permanently damages reputations—once charged, even acquitted individuals struggle with community perception.
For non-citizens, convictions frequently lead to deportation proceedings, separating families and ending Canadian residency. One Brampton man lost his permanent resident status after a living on the avails conviction, despite having lived here for 15 years.
These aren’t abstract risks—real people face these consequences daily in GTA courtrooms. The only way to mitigate them is through an immediate, strategic defence.
How an Expert Defence Lawyer Can Help
When facing procuring or living on the avails charges, having an experienced criminal defence lawyer isn’t just helpful—it’s often the difference between freedom and incarceration. The right legal strategist attacks the case from multiple angles to secure the best possible outcome.
1. Challenging Evidence
A skilled lawyer scrutinizes every aspect of the prosecution’s case. They examine whether police followed proper procedures during investigations—if officers conducted unlawful searches or violated Charter rights, key evidence could be thrown out.
Witness credibility gets dissected too; many cases rely on testimony from individuals with questionable motives or inconsistent statements. In one recent Toronto case, a defence lawyer exposed flaws in surveillance methods, getting crucial video evidence excluded.
2. Negotiating with Prosecutors
Before trial, strategic plea negotiations can dramatically reduce consequences. An expert lawyer might argue to downgrade charges from procuring to solicitation, which carries lighter penalties.
For first-time offenders, they may secure diversion programs that avoid criminal records entirely. Even in serious cases, lawyers fight to bypass mandatory minimums—one Mississauga case saw a potential 5-year sentence reduced to 18 months through skilled negotiations.
3. Trial Defence Strategies
If the case goes to trial, the defence employs targeted arguments. For procuring charges, they may prove the accused lacked intent to exploit others. Living on the avails charges often crumble when lawyers demonstrate legitimate income sources through financial records.
Constitutional challenges are particularly powerful—one Brampton judge stayed charges after proving police entrapped the defendant. These strategies require deep knowledge of both criminal law and how local GTA courts operate.
Every case has weaknesses. A top defence lawyer finds them and uses them to protect your future.
Why Choose GSP Law for Your Defence?
When facing serious criminal charges, the lawyer you choose can determine the entire trajectory of your case. GSP Law brings a unique combination of insider knowledge and relentless advocacy that gives clients a critical advantage in court.
1. Specialized Experience
GSP isn’t just a defender—they’re former prosecutors who’ve worked on the other side of these exact cases. They know how Crown attorneys build procuring and living on the avails charges, from evidence collection to trial strategy.
This insider perspective helps anticipate and counter prosecution moves effectively. Their track record in GTA courts speaks volumes, with numerous charges withdrawn or reduced even in complex cases involving multiple complainants or financial evidence.
2. Strategic Case Review
Walk into GSP’s office and you’ll get straight talk, not legal jargon. Their first free meeting isn’t some slick sales routine – it’s where they roll up their sleeves and tell you exactly how they can help.
One client described it best: “Within 20 minutes, they’d spotted three problems with the Crown’s case my previous lawyer missed.” You’ll leave knowing:
- The strongest parts of your defense
- Where the prosecution’s case might crumble
- What outcomes are actually realistic
This upfront clarity lets you make smart choices when it matters most. No sugarcoating, no false promises – just the real picture of your situation.
3. Aggressive Representation
GSP’s lawyers don’t just push plea deals – they actually try cases. Take last year’s Toronto case where their team spotted illegal police surveillance that everyone else missed. They fought to exclude the key evidence and walked their client out of court with a full acquittal.
What really sets them apart? They know when to negotiate and when to go to war. If the Crown’s offer makes sense, they’ll explain it straight.
But if your case needs a trial, they’ve got the courtroom skills to put up a real fight. One client put it best: “They didn’t just take the easy way out – they actually made the prosecution work for it.”
Choosing GSP means choosing a team that fights as hard for your future as you would.
Next Steps If You’re Facing Charges
Time is not on your side when criminal charges loom. Every action—or inaction—in these critical early stages can dramatically impact your case’s outcome. Here’s exactly what you need to do right now to protect yourself:
Immediate priorities:
- Do Not Speak to Police Without a Lawyer – Anything you say can be used against you.
- Document Everything – Save texts, emails, and financial records.
- Contact a Defence Lawyer Immediately – Early intervention improves outcomes.
The clock starts ticking the moment police lay charges. One missed deadline or unguarded statement can weaken your position permanently.
Final Thoughts
Procuring and living on the avails charges require an immediate, strategic legal response. With the right defence, charges can be reduced or even dismissed.
If you need to hire an expert defence lawyer for procuring prostitution charges, contact GSP Law today for a confidential case review.
Key Takeaways
- These charges carry severe penalties, including jail time
- An experienced lawyer can challenge evidence and negotiate alternatives
- GSP Law has successfully defended clients in similar cases
- Early legal intervention is critical
Get a free consultation now.
Read more on KulFiy