Although the police can charge you for soliciting someone to commit any crime, this offense is usually related to hiring someone for sexual services. A person solicits a prostitute when they offer money or something else of value in exchange for sex.
If the police have accused you of hiring a prostitute, our Butler solicitation lawyer may be able to help. A strong defense strategy could help you stay out of jail and even keep your reputation intact. Before you consider pleading guilty, discuss your case with our skilled defense attorneys. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and, therefore, uniquely and well-equipped to defend criminal cases.
A person commits solicitation when they engage someone else to commit a criminal act. More often than not, these arrests involve an individual allegedly seeking to exchange money for some type of sexual encounter.
It is important to understand that the basis of this crime is the intent, not the sexual act itself. As soon as someone offers or agrees to exchange money for sex, they have committed solicitation. This is true even when no money changes hands.
It is also a crime to encourage someone else to enter into an illicit agreement. If you help broker a sex-for-money exchange between two other people, the police could still charge you with solicitation even if you did not participate in any other way.
The reality of these charges is that they often stem from honest misunderstandings. You have the right to defend yourself in court, and our solicitation defense attorneys in Butler are ready to help you fight back.
If you ultimately receive a conviction for solicitation, you could face a variety of consequences. Each of these cases comes with the risk of incarceration. While first-time offenders often avoid jail, repeat convictions could result in jail time. There are also fines and court costs to consider.
Other aspects of a solicitation conviction can impact you even after you have served your time. This permanent mark on your criminal record can make it difficult to find a job or secure an adequate place to live. Thankfully, these consequences only apply when you receive a guilty verdict.
Our attorneys are experienced in solicitation cases in Butler and could investigate your case, determine the best possible defense strategy, and help you navigate the legal system.
The key to a favorable outcome is the right defense strategy. Our Butler solicitation attorneys can provide you with different options, but the right approach largely depends on the facts of your case. Some common defenses include:
Law enforcement has the right to use “sting operations” to trick someone who intends to hire a prostitute into making contact with an undercover officer, but entrapment goes a step further. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement coerces you into committing a crime you would not have otherwise participated in.
Prosecutors have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you solicited prostitution. This is a high bar that they are not always able to meet. In these cases, your attorney might focus entirely on the Commonwealth’s evidence instead of offering witnesses of your own.
One of the simplest defense strategies is to argue that you did not commit a crime. For example, you might provide evidence that you never offered anything of value in exchange for a sex act.
If the police have accused you of soliciting a prostitute, now is the right time to seek help from Benjamin Levine Law. Let our Butler solicitation lawyer help you build the strongest defense strategy possible.
Our team will work tirelessly to defend your rights. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys and discuss your next steps.