It is illegal to promote, buy, or sell sexual acts in California. Doing so can result in severe consequences that include jail time, probation, and substantial fines. If you have been charged with soliciting a prostitute, we strongly urge you to be proactive and immediately consult with an experienced Moreno Valley solicitation lawyer.
Our seasoned team of criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry has over four decades of experience defending those facing serious criminal charges. Sex crime convictions can completely change your way of life, so having an aggressive attorney on your side is a must. Our skilled attorneys could create a solid, case-specific strategy and negotiate aggressively to have your charges reduced or dropped entirely.
Charges for Soliciting a Prostitute
It is illegal through the state of California to offer to pay or to accept money or other compensation in exchange for participating in a sexual act. California Penal Code 647b PC applies to both the prostitute and the customer. Solicitation is charged as a misdemeanor and carries a sentence of up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Additionally, under California Penal Code 653.23 PC, it is illegal to aid an individual in committing solicitation in any way. For instance, if you drive another person to a location where they plan on hiring a prostitute, you can be charged with aiding prostitution. Supervising or aiding a prostitute is charged as a misdemeanor. Sentences typically include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Depending on the particular solicitation charges we are facing, our attorneys in Moreno Valley could determine what the next best steps would be.
How Can my Attorney Dispute the Charges?
Any effective legal defense depends on the specifics of a case. However, several defenses may prove to be appropriate in fighting solicitation charges. Some of these include but are not limited to:
- Entrapment by law enforcement
- Lack of trustworthy evidence
- Insufficient evidence
- Lack of intent
- Mistake of fact
Our skilled lawyers in Moreno Valley could also pursue a reduction in charges as part of a plea bargain in a solicitation case. These reduced charges are beneficial because they typically do not carry the same social stigma of a prostitution-related charge. These include disturbing the peace, lewd conduct in public, and criminal trespass.
What is Entrapment by Police?
One of the more common defenses to solicitation charges is entrapment. The term “entrapment” is defined as a situation where a normally law-abiding individual is coerced into committing a crime they otherwise would not have committed. Because many solicitation charges stem from prostitution stings, an attorney may argue that entrapment occurred.
Reach out to Our Experienced Moreno Valley Solicitation Attorneys
With so much on the line, you need the best. It is essential to have an experienced Moreno Valley solicitation lawyer on your side to protect your rights and freedoms. Our criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have the skill, resources, and professional relationships needed to get you the best resolution possible. Our team is full of skilled negotiators that could fight aggressively to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Contact our offices today for a free case analysis. During your consultation, one of our dedicated attorneys could go over any questions you have, explain your charges and legal options, and determine an effective defense strategy.