In California, it is unlawful to offer to pay an individual to engage in a sexual act for money or other forms of compensation. These charges carry not only serious court-imposed penalties but also can significantly impact your personal and professional relationships.
If you have been charged with requesting sex for money, we highly recommend speaking with a knowledgeable Rancho Cucamonga solicitation lawyer right away. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry understand the social stigma associated with these crimes. We could advocate aggressively on your behalf to have the charges dismissed or drastically reduced, avoiding the penalties and stigma carried by this type of conviction.
What Makes Up the Crime of Solicitation?
Under Penal Code 647b PC, there are two key elements to a solicitation case. The following elements must be proven to be guilty of the charge:
You requested that another individual engage in a sexual act in exchange for some form of compensation. This can be cash or other goods, such as drugs.
You intended to engage in the sexual act. There must be clear evidence that you sought to engage in a sexual act. This is typically a challenging element to prove in these cases. A lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga could determine if the actions in your solicitation case apply to these requirements and build a defense based on these circumstances.Â
Penalties for a Solicitation Conviction
A solicitation conviction can result in the following penalties:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Probation
There is a mandatory jail sentence of 45 days for a second conviction, and for a third or subsequent conviction, there is a 90-day mandatory jail sentence. If the incident took place in a motor vehicle in close proximity to a residence, you might also have your license suspended for 30 days or restricted for up to six months. A Rancho Cucamonga attorney could help someone avoid the potential penalties of a solicitation charge.Â
Legal Defenses for Soliciting a Prostitute in Rancho Cucamonga
Due to the serious nature of sex crimes, these charges are zealously prosecuted in this area. The charges must be fought aggressively by a local solicitation defense attorney to obtain a favorable resolution. There are several viable defenses to this offense. Some of them include but are not limited to:
- Lack of intent to solicit or engage in prostitution.
- There is insufficient evidence to support a conviction.
- There is a lack of trustworthy evidence.
- Evidence was obtained through an illegal search and seizure by law enforcement.
- The police used entrapment to coerce the defendant into committing the crime.
Our Rancho Cucamonga Solicitation Attorneys Can Help
It is crucial to choose a Rancho Cucamonga solicitation lawyer who has the experience and a proven track record of success. Our defense team at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry has the knowledge, experience, and professional relationships needed to obtain a favorable outcome. We are committed to providing aggressive legal representation with a personal touch. Contact our offices today for a consultation that is both free and confidential.