Law targeting prostitution said to be ineffective

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A law that increased penalties for prostitution has not been effective in curbing the crime, many judges, prostitutes and prosecutors agree. <br><br>The law approved by the Legislature

Monday, February 23rd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A law that increased penalties for prostitution has not been effective in curbing the crime, many judges, prostitutes and prosecutors agree.

The law approved by the Legislature in April 2002 increased maximum fines to $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense and $7,500 for a third or subsequent conviction.

It also added 40 to 80 hours of community service and made prostitution activity within 1,000 feet of a church or school a felony in district court. It also made getting out of jail without posting bail more difficult for people charged in prostitution cases.

After the bill passed, police departments and the Oklahoma County district attorney's office agreed most cases would be tried in district court.

Special District Judge Russell Hall said hefty fines are nearly impossible to enforce on prostitutes.

``I don't think it's very realistic with the ones I deal with ... These aren't your high-end hookers like you see in the movies,'' Hall said. ``These are people you see out on the street selling sex for $20, and they're trying to buy some drugs.''

Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane said his office recommends community service instead of fines.

``You're never going to get, on certain types of crimes, the court to max out the defendant,'' Lane said. ``That's just the way it goes.''

Lane said community service for prostitution-related offenses often means cleaning the area where arrests occurred.

Bill Manger, Oklahoma City's presiding judge, said when cases were taken to municipal court, judges made sure guilty verdicts resulted in maximum fines.

``Fines are tougher,'' Manger said. ``It hits them in the pocket. Community service is a way around fines and jail times and things of that nature. A lot of people would rather perform community service than pay fines.

Oklahoma City collected about $162,250 less in prostitution-related fines in 2003 than in 2001 _ the last full year when municipal court handled most cases.

A prostitute quoted by The Oklahoman and identified only as Diane said fines increased after the bill passed, but they decreased shortly after.

On a 2002 prostitution conviction, Diane said she was given a $30 fine and 80 hours of community service. She said she skipped her community service time.