In today’s society, there is a strong stigma associated with solicitation and prostitution. What is referred to as “The world’s oldest profession” is aggressively pursued by law enforcement and prosecutors in the area. The penalties for a solicitation conviction are harsh and can have long-lasting adverse effects on you and your family. If you are facing these charges, it is essential to speak with a skilled Anaheim solicitation lawyer right away.
Our seasoned attorneys at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry have over 40 years of combined criminal defense experience. We have in-depth knowledge of how these charges are investigated and prosecuted locally. Our criminal defense team has years of experience that allow us to quickly find any errors or loopholes associated with the investigation and prosecution that could result in dropped or reduced charges. Our long-standing relationships with local law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges assist us in effectively negotiating on your behalf to obtain the best possible resolution. We are tireless advocates for our clients and could fight for your rights, dignity, and freedom.
Under California Penal Code 647(b) PC, it is considered a crime to engage in or solicit prostitution, which is offering to pay or to be paid money or something of value in exchange for participating in a sexual act. Solicitation is charged as a misdemeanor. To be found guilty of this crime, the District Attorney must prove you solicited another person to engage in a sexual or lewd act in exchange for money or something of value, and you intended to engage in this act. Intent is often the most challenging element to prove in these cases. Depending on the alleged solicitation offense, a skilled attorney in Anaheim could argue a lack of intent, which is typically a compelling and valid defense.
Solicitation and prostitution are one of law enforcement’s top priorities. Most police departments routinely perform prostitution stings to locate and charge those committing these crimes. Prosecutors take these offenses seriously as well and aggressively prosecute solicitation cases. The penalties for solicitation vary depending on a person’s criminal history and if they have received prior convictions. For instance, for a first offense, penalties may include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
For a second offense, penalties may include a mandatory sentence of a minimum of 45 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Lastly, for a third or any subsequent offense, a defendant may be facing a mandatory sentence of a minimum of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Defendants may also receive harsher penalties if the offense took place in a vehicle or within 1,000 feet of a residence.
A conviction can have substantial adverse effects on your future. It is essential to have a lawyer in Anaheim with experience in solicitation cases – one who would fight tirelessly for your rights and dignity while supporting you through this challenging time.
Surprisingly, many individuals plead guilty to a solicitation offense and try to cope with their punishment. Often, they are embarrassed and humiliated and just want the case to go away. They may also feel a conviction is unavoidable. However, there are several defenses one of our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys in Anaheim could pursue in a solicitation case. Some of these common defense strategies include:
There are also several reduced charges your attorney could pursue that do not carry the same stigma and embarrassment as a solicitation of prostitution conviction holds.
Entrapment is one of the more common solicitation defenses. It occurs when law enforcement engages in conduct that would cause a typically law-abiding citizen to commit a crime. Entrapment typically involves one or more of the following:
Entrapment defenses are typically used when the charges were a result of an undercover prostitution operation. If you face these charges due to law enforcement’s aggressive actions, this may be an effective defense, especially if you do not have a previous criminal record.
Scott D. Henry and his experienced legal team have a proven track record of success defending those facing solicitation charges. We take a proactive and case-specific approach in advocating for our clients’ rights. If you have been accused of trying to solicit a prostitute, it is best to seek the assistance of a leading Anaheim solicitation lawyer. Our skilled attorneys could go over your case’s specifics, advise you of your legal rights and options, and determine the best strategy in obtaining the best possible outcome.
We understand this is a challenging time for you and your family. There is so much at stake, including your dignity, reputation, and freedom. Our team has dedicated our careers to providing an aggressive and effective defense to those facing criminal charges. We also want to provide support and assistance during this challenging time. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We genuinely want to advocate on your behalf to help you obtain the best possible resolution, given your circumstances.
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