Criminal solicitation consists of asking, encouraging or requesting a person to engage in criminal conduct, with the aim of facilitating or contributing to the commission of this crime. Most often, solicitation refers to the solicitation of prostitution, the crime of soliciting someone to engage in prostitution.
Although state laws vary, to be guilty of solicitation you must: ask someone else to engage in criminal conduct; and intend to engage in criminal conduct with this person.
States vary depending on whether the other person must receive the request or whether the act of making the request (with criminal intent) is sufficient to constitute a solicitation. Some need the person to receive the request.
With respect to the solicitation of prostitution, this generally means that the person must communicate a request that another person engage in sexual acts to obtain compensation, and must intend to respond to the request.
It is important to remember that the subsequent crime, actual prostitution, for example, does not need to be committed. Someone can still be guilty of soliciting even if their request is not accepted, or the subsequent crime simply never happens. For example, if a plainclothes police officer receives a request to engage in prostitution, the alleged client may be found guilty of soliciting even if no prostitution has taken place or will actually take place.
As in all criminal cases, an accused can challenge that he did not commit the act or that he did not have a criminal intent if he did so. For example, a person accused of soliciting prostitution could say that he was not the one who did it or that there was no offer or intention compensate the other person for their sexual acts.
In some cases, a person is not responsible for the solicitation if they renounce their intention to commit the subsequent crime, and inform the other person that their request is off the table. Depending on the type of criminal behavior that the person seeks, the withdrawal may also require notification to the police to prevent further criminal behavior from taking place.
Often, evidence in addition to any testimony from the proposed person is necessary to convict someone for solicitation.
Since one can solicit the commission of a variety of crimes, the punishment for solicitation can vary widely, and also vary by state. The costs of solicitation increase according to the degree of crime that would have been solicited. For example, solicitation for murder is punished as a much higher crime than solicitation for prostitution.
Punishment for solicitation of prostitution can also vary.If the person has already been sentenced, they are more likely to be sentenced to prison. Primary offenders can often avoid prison terms and receive fines, community service or other alternative sentences. Some states now require HIV testing and HIV courses for those convicted of soliciting prostitution.
As a crime, a solicitation conviction can have enormous consequences. An experienced criminal attorney can help someone charged with solicitation find the best possible solution available.
Call (954) 522-9997 or fill out the short form below. We will usually respond within 1 business day but often do so the same day. Don’t hesitate, your questions are welcome.
* Required Fields
Our core principles have always been a paramount attraction to our clients.
“Not gonna lie. I was scared at first – of course w anything w laws it’s very scary. But David was very professional , honest and true to his word. I felt so much better and confident that he was definitely gonna help me. And he did !! I’m truly grateful for him and his staff- his assistant Jessica is very warm and kind and is always on top of everything. Thank you guys so much!”
Most importantly, David Williams makes it a priority to give you personalized service and attention with regard to your criminal case. Call our office at your convenience for a free consultation. We will schedule a personal consultation at your convenience with the attorney to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your criminal case in Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County. David Williams will provide you with the defense and counseling that is required to have a successful outcome for your criminal case.
David Williams prides himself on providing personal attention with regard to all aspects of your criminal or traffic matter. David Williams will provide you with a fair fee for the work required and will extend a payment plan that is suitable to your needs for your criminal matter.
Call (954) 522-9997 or fill out the short form below. We will usually respond within 1 business day but often do so the same day. Don’t hesitate, your questions are welcome.
* Required Fields
After-hours support is Now Available!
We are thrilled to introduce our after-hours answering service, which ensures prompt response to all of your queries regardless of the time. Our dedication to your satisfaction extends beyond regular business hours. Please feel free to contact us anytime; we will be more than happy to assist you.
Powered by Law Firm Marketing Pros
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
