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Soliciting involves seeking another person with the intention of committing a crime. While solicitation could apply to many criminal offenses, the law usually relates charges to prostitution. If a court accuses you of solicitation, a compassionate defense attorney may be able to help. It is often possible to beat these charges and avoid a conviction with a good defense. Instead of attempting to resolve your case alone, reach out to a Boulder solicitation lawyer to discuss your options.
The crime of solicitation refers to the act of encouraging or offering compensation to another person to engage in illegal activity. Most of the time, courts bring these charges against people engaging with prostitutes in a sex-for-money exchange. Under state law, someone could be charged with solicitation even if no physical contact occurs or the proposed transaction is never completed. Merely offering money or something of value in exchange for sexual services is enough to constitute a criminal offense.
Undercover sting operations frequently result in solicitation charges. In these situations, law enforcement officers pose as sex workers to identify and arrest individuals seeking to buy sex. These operations often involve recorded conversations, surveillance, or text message exchanges as evidence. The law treats solicitation as a separate offense from prostitution, and it may result in a permanent criminal record, making legal representation essential. While solicitation charges are serious, a conviction could be avoided. Let a Boulder solicitation attorney help you seek the best possible outcome to your case.
Soliciting an adult is usually a misdemeanor under state law. While these charges must be taken seriously, they are far less severe than soliciting minors, and a Boulder lawyer could help with these charges as well. Attempting to solicit a child for prostitution—regardless of whether someone knew their true age—is a Class 3 felony. For solicitation purposes, a child is anyone younger than 18 years of age.
A Class 3 felony carries steep penalties upon conviction. Those convicted could face as many as 12 years in jail, as well as a fine of no more than $750,000. These charges are appropriate when someone solicits a child for prostitution, but prosecutors could also use them for someone arranging for someone else to meet with a juvenile for these purposes.
Facing a solicitation charge could be intimidating, but several legal defenses may be available, depending on how the case develops. A Boulder solicitation attorney could rely on several strategies.
The prosecution must prove that someone intentionally offered something of value for sexual services. If there was no clear offer or law enforcement misinterpreted the conversation, a person is not guilty of a crime.
Solicitation charges often come from undercover sting operations. If law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they were not predisposed to commit, entrapment could be a valid defense.
Ultimately, the state may only convict a person of solicitation if it can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Since proof beyond a reasonable doubt is a high burden, an attorney may be able to win by demonstrating that the evidence is weak.
Law enforcement has limits on how they may investigate criminal activity. If the police illegally search a home or seize property, an attorney could prevent the state from using any evidence they find at trial.
Solicitation charges can be confusing and overlap with other potential charges, like prostitution. Do not put yourself at risk by representing yourself in court. Instead, seek out skilled legal counsel who can defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact a Boulder solicitation lawyer from Petrash Law today to discuss your options.