Overview of the incident
The client was accused of engaging in prostitution by participating in multiple collective prostitution meetings.
During this process, the victims viewed and participated in recruitment posters that stated the victims' ages as adults, and the victims acted like adults on the outside.
The client came to us for legal representation, claiming that it was difficult to recognize the possibility that the victim was a minor in this situation.
Case issues
The circumstantial factors that led the client to perceive the victim as an adult, as well as the victim's appearance and behavior, were key issues.
Assistance from Ongang
1. emphasizing the client's lack of awareness:
Defense counsel emphasized that the recruitment posters listed the victims' ages as adults, and that the victims looked and acted like adults. It was fully explained at trial that it was difficult for counsel to recognize the possibility that the victims were minors.
2. the client's remorse and willingness to improve:
Mr. Ongang conveyed to the court that the client has been deeply remorseful since the incident and has been diligently completing sex education and undergoing psychiatric treatment to prevent recidivism. Mr. Ongang emphasized the client's sincere remorse and willingness to improve and asked the court to sentence him.
3. Request for leniency:
Based on the client's remorse, difficulty in recognizing the victim, and no prior criminal record, Mr. Ongang requested the court for maximum leniency. He pleaded for a stay of execution of the sentence so that the client could return to being a healthy member of society.
■ Outcome.
The client was sentenced to eight months in prison and one year of probation.
Case outcome materials
