In California, it is unlawful to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. Those who do so or even offer to engage in these acts can be prosecuted under the prostitution and solicitation laws.
If you have been charged with soliciting a prostitute, it is in your best interest to contact a Santa Ana solicitation lawyer as soon as possible. Our skilled legal team at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry has decades of experience defending those faced with these charges. We know precisely how these cases are tried at the local courthouse and could advocate effectively on your behalf to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Legal Definition of Solicitation
Solicitation is an unlawful act under California Penal Code 647b PC. Under 647b PC, it is illegal for an individual to offer or agree to pay another in exchange for a sexual act. To be found guilty of solicitation, the prosecution has to prove that the defendant solicited an individual to engage in a lewd act in exchange for compensation and that they intended to engage in the lewd act. When the state is trying to prove these elements of this crime, they typically must produce evidence that the defendant acted in furtherance of the offense. This means that they took steps to actually complete this sexual transaction. These behaviors may include withdrawing money from an ATM, or meeting at a specified location where the sexual act was planned to take place.
These crimes are “priorable offenses,” which means the penalties increase with each subsequent conviction. For a first-time misdemeanor conviction, the crime carries penalties of up to six months in jail and steep fines. For a second conviction, there is a minimum jail sentence of 45 days in jail and additional fines. For a third or subsequent conviction, there is a minimum sentence of 90 days in jail and additional fines. An attorney in Santa Ana could address any questions you may have about your solicitation charges.
Solicitation Defenses
Solicitation crimes are harshly punished in this area. Fortunately, there are several strong defenses to these charges. Our experienced lawyers in Santa Ana could thoroughly review the arrest and the circumstances of the alleged solicitation offense to determine the strongest, most appropriate defense strategy. This strategy may involve:
- Insufficient evidence
- Untrustworthy evidence
- Lack of intent
- Illegal search and seizure or a 4th Amendment violation
- Entrapment by law enforcement
Speak with a Skilled Santa Ana Solicitation Attorney
If you are convicted of solicitation of prostitution, you will not only have to deal with the court-imposed penalties. You may experience embarrassment and humiliation and significant damage to your personal relationships and reputation in your community. There is too much at stake to gamble with your future.
If you have been charged with this offense, we urge you to speak with a skilled Santa Ana solicitation lawyer as soon as possible. Our skilled legal team at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry understands the far-reaching consequences of this type of conviction and we are committed to providing you with an aggressive, effective defense.