State law prohibits the offering or agreeing to engage in prostitution in addition to actually engaging in it. Those participating in the illegal acts of solicitation are diligently pursued by law enforcement, and with prostitution stings being commonplace in Southern California, it is fairly easy to be arrested and charged with these sex crimes.
When facing charges of soliciting a prostitute, it is essential to consult with a Los Angeles solicitation lawyer as soon as possible. Our seasoned sex crime defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have over 40 years of combined experience, having achieved unprecedented results. We have earned the reputation as one of Southern California’s premier criminal defense law firms due to our unwavering commitment to justice and the aggressive and proactive strategies we skillfully implement on behalf of our clients. Having our dedicated legal team on your side could give you peace of mind, knowing your rights and freedoms will be protected.
Under California Penal Code 647b PC, it is illegal to offer or request to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money, drugs, or other forms of compensation. This means that both the prostitute and customer can be guilty of solicitation. To obtain a guilty verdict, the prosecution must prove the defendant intended to commit the act, even if the solicited party did not intend to participate. In other words, you can be found guilty of solicitation if you offered or requested another to participate in a sexual act in exchange for money, regardless of the other party’s response.
Although the terms “prostitution” and “solicitation” are often heard in connection, they are two distinct crimes. For prostitution to take place, an individual must willfully engage in a sexual act with another in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. On the other hand, solicitation is simply a request, with intent, to engage in a sexual act, regardless of whether the transaction takes place. A lawyer in Los Angeles could explain how a charge of solicitation may apply in your case
In California, solicitation is a misdemeanor offense. The possible penalties you might face if you are convicted include jail time of up to six months and fines up to $1,000. You may face additional penalties depending on the circumstances of the incident. For example, if you were in a motor vehicle or within 1,000 feet of a residence, you may have your car impounded and lose your driving privileges for 30 days.
Solicitation is a “priorable” offense, meaning for each subsequent conviction, the penalties increase. Second convictions carry a minimum jail sentence of 45 days, and a third or subsequent conviction requires you to spend 90 days in jail. An attorney in Los Angeles could help someone minimize the potential penalties of a solicitation charge.
In addition to possible jail time and steep fines, those accused of soliciting a prostitute may face severe damage to their personal and professional lives. If you have been charged with solicitation, it is essential to hire a skilled Los Angeles attorney who can create and argue a case-specific, effective defense. Solid arguments may include:
Our skilled attorneys would ultimately determine an effective strategy after performing an in-depth investigation into the alleged incident.
If you have been charged with solicitation, it is absolutely essential to secure legal representation by a defense attorney who is both knowledgeable and experienced. Our Los Angeles solicitation lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have a proven track record of success defending clients against this and other prostitution-related charges. We are committed to mitigating the consequences associated with a solicitation charge and could work tirelessly to protect your rights and preserve your future. Contact our offices for a complimentary case analysis today.
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