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What is Solicitation of Prostitution?
Solicitation of prostitution means to communicate, by words or conduct, an offer or a request, to another person to engage in the act of prostitution. Enticing or encouraging another person to commit prostitution can also be considered solicitation.
What is the Punishment for Solicitation of Prostitution?
Depending on the jurisdiction, soliciting prostitution may be punished with a term of up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Second convictions can result in a mandatory 45-day jail term, and third or subsequent convictions will result in 90 days in jail.
How Must Solicitation Be Proven in Court?
For a person to be convicted of a violation of agreeing to engage in the act of solicitation of prostitution, the prosecution must prove that:
- You agreed to engage in an act of prostitution with someone else;
- You intended to engage in an act of prostitution with that person, and
- You did something to the furtherance of the commission of an act of prostitution.
What are the 3 Elements of Prostitution?
The crime of prostitution covers 3 separate acts: (1) engaging in the sexual acts for compensation; (2) making an offer to engage in prostitution, also known as solicitation; and (3) agreeing to engage in an act of prostitution.
What is the Defense for Solicitation?
If you are facing charges for solicitation of prostitution, you should hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to achieve the best possible outcome. An attorney will review the details of your case to decide what is the best defense strategy to help you get your case dismissed. Common defense strategies to charges of solicitation of prostitution include:
- Mistaken facts surrounding the charge
- Lack of evidence to make the conviction
- Insufficient evidence to make a conviction
- Entrapment
Charge Reductions
Having your charges reduced to a non-prostitution-related offense may allow you to avoid the damage to your personal and professional life that a prostitution conviction could create. The most common offenses that prostitution charges are reduced to are Disturbing the Peace and Criminal Trespass.
Related Articles:
- What Qualifies as Solicitation of a Minor?
- Difference Between Solicitation and Prostitution
- What is a Class Action Lawsuit?
Hiring an experienced lawyer to fight your charges may cost less than accepting a guilty plea without contesting, so don't hesitate and call a criminal defense attorney at Schmidt & Clark for a free case evaluation.
FAQs
1. How Can Violation of Rights Affect the Case?
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or seizure, the evidence obtained may be suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case.
2. What Is Mistaken Identity?
Mistaken identity occurs when someone is wrongly identified as the perpetrator. Alibi evidence or eyewitness testimony can be used to prove you were not involved.
3. Can Solicitation Charges Be Expunged?
In some jurisdictions, solicitation charges can be expunged from your record if certain conditions are met, such as completing probation or a diversion program.
4. Do Solicitation Charges Affect Employment?
Yes, having a solicitation charge on your record can impact employment opportunities, especially in fields requiring background checks.
Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Class Action Lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you think you may have a claim, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a class action suit and we can help.