Charged with class A prostitution misdemeanor, what to do?

Question

got arrested and was taken fingerprint and jailed for few hours and have a court date for prostitution charge.

How serious is this crime? The police kept some of my money and my cell phone as an evidence against me. I was told to ask for those when I show up at court.

Will this damage my career? I don't have any prior criminal convictions or arrests on prostitution charge.

I guess it is a class A misdemeanor.

it says 720IL CS 5/11-14-A.

Will I be sentenced to jail? Or more likely It will be dismissed and just get a warning from the judge?

I went for a massage service but then cops arrested me.

Must I hire a lawyer to make sure I don't get convicted?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I'd hire a lawyer. Will probably get a fine and a warning; but I'd try and get it off my record.