If you have been charged with solicitation of prostitution, it is important to remember that you have rights. To protect those rights, it is essential to have a skilled San Bernardino solicitation lawyer on your side.
Our criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry have over four decades of experience handling solicitation and other sex crime cases. We have extensive first-hand knowledge of how these cases are investigated, prosecuted, and punished in local courts, so we know how to effectively create case-specific, persuasive defense strategies. We are committed to vehemently defending our clients to prevent or minimize any consequences these charges may hold.
At the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, sex crime cases are zealously prosecuted. This definitely holds true for cases involving solicitation and prostitution. According to California Penal Code 647b PC, solicitation occurs when an individual offers to pay or accept money or other compensation in exchange for engaging in a sexual or lewd act. Solicitation is charged as a misdemeanor in California but is considered a “priorable offense,” which means that penalties increase with each subsequent conviction. A skilled attorney in San Bernardino could help someone prepare for the legal process after being charged with solicitation.
To be found guilty of soliciting prostitution, the District Attorney must prove you solicited another individual to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money or other compensation and that you intended to engage in the sexual act.
To be convicted of solicitation, you do not have to engage in a lewd or sexual act. Many defense strategies are centered around a lack of intent. Intent is typically the most challenging element to prove and can often make a compelling argument in your defense. A lawyer in San Bernardino could prepare a defense strategy that works best for your solicitation case.
Soliciting someone for sex in exchange for money is considered a serious offense in this area. As such, penalties are substantial and include up to six months in jail and fine of up to $1,000 for a first-time conviction. For a second conviction, the penalties may include a minimum of 45 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Lastly, for a third or subsequent conviction, the criminal penalties may involve a minimum of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A conviction could carry harsher penalties if the incident took place in a motor vehicle or within 1,000 feet of a residence.
If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may have to deal with consequences in addition to the court-imposed penalties. Personal relationships can be irreparably damaged, and your reputation in the community can be changed forever. Additionally, being convicted of a prostitution-related offense can affect your ability to obtain employment and housing. Fortunately, our attorneys in San Bernardino could work to have your solicitation charges dropped or reduced to an offense that does not carry the same stigma as these crimes.
Having a capable San Bernardino solicitation lawyer on your side can mean the difference between spending time in jail or walking out of the courtroom. Our defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry have the skills and experience necessary to advocate effectively on your behalf. Contact our legal team today for a free case analysis. We are available to review your case’s specifics, explain your legal options, and determine the necessary steps toward obtaining the best possible outcome.
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