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Expert: - 8/6/2009


Question
dan, how do i find out the laws and right i have to follow to start my own adult website in rhode island. every site i have been to i have to pay jus to get a list of laws i need to comply with. if you could lead me in the right direction i would highly appreciate it. thanks keith

Answer
Keith,

You may find this link helpful:  http://www.sexworkersproject.org/advocacy/2009/ri-prostitution-bill/

Earlier this year, Rhode Island House and Senate lawmakers passed different bills seeking to close a 30-year-old loophole allowing paid sex inside. The academics just issued their letters  as lawmakers, prosecutors and police negotiate compromise legislation in time for a vote planned for September.

Currently, "indoor" prostitution is legal in Rhode Island, since there is no legislation that currently prohibits it.

However, I am not aware of one place where you can a list of all laws that you need to comply with, since (a) it will depend upon the nature of your business and website, and (b) there are many different issues that can impact what law governs.

I will tell you that if you plan on acting as your lawyer in this area, it's a lot like acting as your own doctor.  Your long-term prognosis is not good.

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Dan Pepper

Expertise

Lawyer representing adult industry businesses and entertainers, and can answer questions related to:

How to start an adult film business or adult website LEGALLY.

What laws to be concerned about with getting into the adult entertainment industry.

What terms and conditions do you need on your adult website.

How to comply with 18 USC 2257 - the federal record keeping requirements.

What forms and agreements do you need for models and crew.

How to deal with copyright and trademark laws.

Before asking your question, I recommend visiting adultwebsitelawyer.com and requesting a copy of the Top 6 Considerations of Starting an Adult Entertainment Business. You may find your question answered there.

I ALSO DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM MALES INTERESTED IN STARRING IN ADULT FILMS.

Experience

I have been practicing law since 1994, and have represented numerous businesses and entertainers in the adult entertainment industry as the managing member of Pepper Law Group, LLC, at adultwebsitelawyer.com. My firm also operates 2257Sentry, one of the industry's leading 18 USC 2257 custodian record keeping services for producers of adult content.

Organizations
Free Speech Coalition, Frequent speaker at adult industry events including the Internext Expo and Exxxotica New York; interviewed in AVN Online; regular contributor to XBiz World

Publications
XBiz World AVN Online

Education/Credentials
BA in Political Science, JD (law degree)

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