Being charged with a sex-related offense can be a life-changing experience. A mere accusation can have long-lasting adverse effects. Most people accused of soliciting a prostitute experience significant embarrassment and just want the situation to be over. If you have been charged with this crime, it is crucial to immediately retain a skilled and knowledgeable Riverside solicitation lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney could help you build a strong and effective defense to help you put this behind you.
Our criminal defense attorneys at The Office of Scott D. Henry understand how challenging it is to face solicitation charges. Our team has extensive experience with prostitution cases and knows how they are investigated and prosecuted. It is essential to have experienced and aggressive legal counsel to help you get the best result in your case.
What is Solicitation?
California Penal Code 647(b) PC, makes it illegal for an individual to solicit prostitution. Prostitution is defined as offering to pay or to be paid in exchange to participate in a sexual act. The solicitor can be viewed as the “customer” in this situation.
This crime is charged as a misdemeanor in California, and is considered a high priority for law enforcement and prosecutors. Solicitation of a prostitute is considered a “priorable offense,” which means the penalties increase with each subsequent conviction. The penalties for solicitation in Riverside may include:
- First Conviction – A maximum penalty of six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
- Second Conviction – A minimum of 45 days in jail and the additional penalties that apply for a first-time conviction.
- Third (and any Subsequent) Convictions – A minimum of 90 days in jail, and the additional penalties that apply for a first-time conviction.
Defendants could receive additional penalties if the crime was committed in a vehicle or within 1,000 feet of a residence. Because a solicitation conviction can have a substantial effect on your future, it is essential to have an attorney with experience and diligence on your side – one who could tirelessly fight for your rights and dignity to help you through this trying time.
Legal Defenses for Solicitation in Riverside
Many people plead guilty to a solicitation charge because they are embarrassed and want the situation to go away. However, several defenses for solicitation can be effective if you have a skilled and knowledgeable attorney in Riverside to advocate on your behalf. Some common defense strategies include:
- Insufficient evidence/Lack of trustworthy evidence – Your lawyer may argue there is not enough evidence to support a conviction. Evidence, typically in the form of a witness statement, may also not be credible.
- Lack of intent – If your attorney can prove you did not intend to solicit prostitution, then you cannot be found guilty of solicitation.
- Entrapment – Often, police use coercion to get an individual to commit a crime they would have not otherwise committed. This coercion typically occurs during a “prostitution sting.”
- 4th Amendment violation – If law enforcement obtained evidence through a search that violated your 4th Amendment rights, the judge could deem the evidence inadmissible.
There are also several reduced charges that you could plead guilty to that do not carry the stigma and embarrassment associated with a solicitation of prostitution conviction.
Contact a Skilled Riverside Solicitation Attorney Today
If you face these charges, it is essential to secure aggressive legal representation immediately. A Riverside solicitation lawyer at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry could perform a thorough investigation into your case’s circumstances to find any loopholes or applicable laws that could result in reduced or dismissed charges. Our legal team has over 40 years of combined defense experience. We have strong relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges that could assist us in effectively negotiating on your behalf. Scott D. Henry and his team have dedicated our careers to fighting diligently for the best possible outcome in every case. Please contact us today for a free consultation.