If you have been arrested and charged with solicitation, you must remember that anything you say can and will be used against you. It is essential to refrain from speaking with law enforcement and immediately contact a Westminster solicitation lawyer who could aggressively protect your rights.
At the Law Office of Scott D. Henry, our criminal defense attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience handling sex crime cases including solicitation for prostitution. We have strong, long-standing relationships with local law enforcement and prosecutors, allowing us to negotiate effectively on your behalf. Every minute counts in a criminal case, so we urge you to contact our office today.
In recent years, this area has increased its emphasis on locating and arresting individuals engaging in acts of prostitution. California Penal Code 647b PC addresses the solicitation of prostitutes and defines it as a person using words, actions, or other means to attempt to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money or other compensation. To be found guilty of solicitation, the prosecution must prove someone solicited another person to engage in a sexual act for money or another form of compensation and that they intended to engage in that act. Soliciting prostitution is considered just as serious as engaging in the act of prostitution and is punished aggressively at the West Justice Center.
Some defendants believe they will not be able to avoid a solicitation conviction, but that does not have to be the case. Our skilled defense attorneys in Westminster are typically able to have solicitation charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge early on in the case if they have a solid defense strategy. Several defenses could prove to be effective, including:
Our attorneys work tirelessly to prevent a solicitation conviction because the penalties are substantial and can be long-lasting. For a first offense, penalties include up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second offenses carry penalties of a minimum of 45 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. For a third and any subsequent offenses, the defendant may receive a minimum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the incident took place in a motor vehicle or within 1,000 feet of a residence, the penalties would likely increase.
In addition to any court-imposed punishment, individuals convicted of a sex crime such as solicitation can face strong feelings of embarrassment and humiliation. Their reputation in their community can be permanently affected and their personal and professional lives can be irreparably damaged. That is why it is vital to take these charges seriously and obtain experienced legal counsel right away. Our attorneys in Westminster could help someone minimize or avoid the penalties associated with solicitation charges.
Our Westminster solicitation lawyers at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry know how to work skillfully to help you obtain the resolution you need. We understand that so much is riding on your case’s outcome, and we are committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom. Contact our office today for a free case analysis. Let us guide you through this trying time and fight tirelessly on your behalf.
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