Solicitation of Prostitution

Solicitation of prostitution is a common charge in police sting operations that are attempting to crack down on the number of prostitutes in a particular area. Solicitation of prostitution occurs when anyone, male or female, attempts to negotiate or procure the services of another individual for sexual gratification.

This can include discussing or negotiating for sexual intercourse, lewd acts or physical contact with the breasts, buttocks or genitals with or without intercourse. It doesn’t have to include money, bartering or offering other items of value may constitute attempting to “further the agreement” by offering something for sex.

Solicitation of Prostitution Penalties

Generally solicitation of prostitution charges will range from fines through to community service and even court ordered counseling or classes. In some areas and locations the names of those arrested for solicitation of prostitution can be published in newspapers and may be available online through online court websites or law enforcement reports.

Possible Penalties

1. AIDS testing, at the individual's expense, as well as attend an AIDS awareness program.
2. Community service hours
3. Jail Time
4. Fines

Solicitation of Prostitution Sentencing

A judge will typically hear the arrested party’s statement in court, as well as that of the arresting officer and possible decoy officer,  and will then make a determination on guilt or innocence as well as sentencing. The judge will consider how many similar offenses may be on the record as well as any related convictions. Since there is no need to prove that the sexual act actually occurred, without an attorney it may be very confusing as to why a charge is being made. In reality all the judge needs to hear is that an offer of sex for money was made and a following act to further demonstrate the offenders willingness to participate in paying for sex occurred in order to find guilt.

Can A Lawyer Help With Solicitation Of Prostitution?

Although the police can and do operate sting operations with decoy officers as prostitutes, they have to follow very specific rules to avoid entrapment. Having an experienced attorney can help you prove your case if you feel that entrapment occurred during the decoy situation. In addition the attorney can work with the district attorney to have the charges modified or even dropped, or a fines and penalties reduced as much as possible.

• If you have been charged with Solicitation of Prostitution, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney.