Silver Spring Solicitation Lawyer
Most people know the act of prostitution is prohibited in all states, except for Nevada. However, most people do not fully understand the criminal offense of solicitation, which is often charged in conjunction with prostitution. Simply put, solicitation is enticing, convincing, or forcing another person to commit a crime, and contrary to popular belief, it does not have to involve prostitution.
If you have been charged with solicitation, it is certainly in your best interest to retain the services of a Silver Spring solicitation lawyer at once. Your reputation, job, and freedom could be at stake, especially if you have previous convictions on your record. Solicitation is viewed as a serious crime and prosecuted harshly by the state of Maryland. Reach out to a criminal defense attorney today for help.
How is a Person Charged with Solicitation?
Solicitation charges vary by state, but as stated above, solicitation is often defined as convincing or forcing another person to commit a criminal act. In some cases, the person charged with solicitation does not necessarily have to take part in the actual crime. As long as the solicited person claims they received a request or threat from another person, that person can be charged with solicitation; even if the person is not completely sure of who issued the request.
Under federal law, those charged with solicitation must be suspected of persuading or forcing another person to commit a felony, not a misdemeanor.
Solicitation Defenses
As in the majority of criminal cases, a defendant has the right to defend themselves against a charge of solicitation. Defending oneself can be difficult, especially if the police have amassed enough evidence for the prosecution to prove their case. Regardless of the amount of evidence the prosecution possesses, it may still be possible for a Silver Spring solicitation lawyer to get the charges their client faces reduced or dropped.
To get charges reduced or dropped, a solicitation defendant and their attorney must be able to cast reasonable doubt on the argument assembled by the prosecution. In many cases, the following defenses to solicitation may be effective:
- Illegal collection of evidence by law enforcement
- Recanting of intent to commit a crime
- Not knowing a criminal act was about to take place
- There was no offer of sexual acts from a person engaging in prostitution
- Mistaken identity
Even if the defenses above do not apply to a case, a skilled attorney may still be able to get the charges facing their client dropped or reduced, especially if they do not have previous solicitation convictions.
Penalties for Solicitation
The punishment a person receives for a solicitation conviction will depend on a variety of factors. For example, if a person is charged with solicitation a prostitute of legal age, they may face misdemeanor charges. However, if they solicit a minor or a victim of human trafficking, they may face felony charges and the prospect of time behind bars. As stated above, enticing someone to commit a felony will automatically result in a felony charge.
Those convicted of solicitation can also face public humiliation, job loss, and the prospect of a criminal record that follows them throughout their lives.
How a Silver Spring Solicitation Attorney Can Help
Solicitation is a serious crime, especially when it involves felony charges. If you do not take legal action immediately, you may be facing the prospect of jail time or a hefty fine. There may also be a myriad of social consequences for you and your family to face following a conviction. Fortunately, you may be able to get your name cleared and your life back.
Get in touch with a Silver Spring solicitation lawyer at your convenience today.