Solicitation is a criminal offense related to exchanging money for sex. Although simply proposing this exchange violates the law, this offense typically extends beyond the completion of a transaction. In fact, solicitation is closely related to prostitution, but it includes prospective patrons, also called “johns” instead of a prostitute directly.
Unfortunately, severe criminal consequences exist for solicitation arrests and convictions, including employment loss, damaged character, jail time, and fines. Thankfully, a skilled defense attorney can help you try and avoid these severe consequences. Let an Islip solicitation lawyer, like Mike Schillinger, protect your rights and fight on your behalf.
Islip Patronizing A Prostitute?
According to state law, solicitation is the act of patronizing a prostitute by purchasing their sexual services in exchange for something valuable. While solicitation often involves cash, it can also apply to goods or services, and can even include illicit substances such as drugs.
Solicitation crimes are often charged regardless of whether the attempt was successful or not. Under the law, simply attempting to purchase sex with something of value could be considered solicitation, and this includes whether the attempt was made directly or through a third party.
Arrests stemming from solicitation are often the result of a misunderstanding. However, even when they are not, the state may struggle to meet their burden and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an accused person intended to exchange money for sex. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Islip could review the circumstances of a solicitation case and develop a winning defense against these types of charges.
Penalties for Solicitation Charges
The penalties for a solicitation conviction can vary. For example, this charge is often treated as a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. A misdemeanor can potentially lead to as much as a year behind bars and potential fines. However, this penalty tends to be the max, and courts more often sentence first-time offenders to probation.
In some situations, solicitation charges could have more significant consequences. For instance, when aggravating factors are present, a prosecutor could pursue the more serious offense of second-degree patronizing. This charge is used when a person solicits someone under 15 years old and can lead to a four-year prison sentence.
The highest level of this offense is first-degree patronizing, which involves soliciting a person below the age of 11. Alternatively, this charge is used when a person over 18 years old solicits anyone younger than 13. This offense is a Class D felony and can result in significant jail time.
With all of that being said, a skilled defense attorney can oftentimes negotiate a much lesser plea agreement and avoid these severe consequences.
The Potential for Collateral Consequences
Solicitation convictions also come with potential collateral consequences. These penalties cover things outside of the traditional consequences like fines and jail time. When it comes to charges of solicitation, one of the significant collateral consequences is damage to a person’s reputation.
Likewise, a solicitation conviction can also lead to a loss of employment or job opportunity. Employers are not obligated to ignore a person’s criminal history during the hiring process. However, a zealous attorney in Islip will work with prosecutors to ensure that someone charged with this crime receives the most favorable outcome possible.
Call an Islip Patronizing Attorney Today
If you face solicitation charges in Islip, you are likely intimidated and overwhelmed. Now is the time to speak to an attorney. Aggressive attorney Mike Schillinger will help you beat these charges to keep your reputation intact. We will fight for you.
Put your trust in the hands of an Islip solicitation lawyer. Call our office right away to learn more and schedule a meeting.
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