Glendale Solicitation Lawyer

Arizona state law makes it a misdemeanor criminal offense to offer sexual services of any kind in exchange for financial compensation or anything else of value. With prior convictions, this offense can even be classified as a felony. When it comes to the solicitation of sexual services, though, state law provides a much less objective definition and often defers to local city or municipal codes.

This means that effectively contesting charges after a solicitation arrest can require experience and knowledge of the local legal systems. Luckily, the dedicated attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group are former prosecutors who know how to handle these types of situations. If you face these kinds of accusations, you’ve come to the right place. Let a Glendale solicitation lawyer handle your case and work to protect your way of life.

Prosecution of Solicitation in Glendale

Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3214 criminalizes the act of knowingly engaging in prostitution. However, there is no equivalent section of state law that explicitly addresses solicitation of a prostitute as a distinct criminal offense. The closest state law comes to addressing solicitation is A.R.S. §13-1002, which makes it broadly illegal to encourage, request, or command someone else to engage in criminal behavior.

However, most localities within Arizona prohibit solicitation expressly within their municipal codes. For example, Phoenix City Code §23-52 categorizes solicitation of a prostitute as a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. This is punishable upon conviction by the same penalties associated with prostitution charges pursued under state law, which include:

• Maximum 15 consecutive days in jail plus $2,500 maximum fine for a first conviction
• Maximum 30 consecutive days in jail plus $2,500 maximum fine for a second conviction
• Maximum 60 consecutive days in jail plus $2,500 maximum fine and mandatory completion of court-ordered treatment/education for a third conviction
• Maximum 180 consecutive days in jail plus $2,500 maximum fine and mandatory completion of court-ordered treatment/education for fourth and subsequent convictions

However, as a local attorney can explain, the exact rules and penalties associated with a solicitation charge may vary depending on which municipality the offense allegedly occurred in.

Possible Defenses to Solicitation Charges

Much like prostitution, solicitation requires intent to constitute a criminal offense. In other words, if the court cannot prove that someone knowingly intended to pay money or provide something else valuable directly in exchange for sexual services, they cannot be convicted and sentenced for that offense.

It is not unheard of for law enforcement officers to trick people into soliciting a prostitute when they would not have done so on their own, which may constitute unlawful entrapment. A solicitation lawyer in Glendale could discuss options for challenging a particular charge or accusation during a confidential consultation.

Contact a Glendale Solicitation Attorney for Help

Solicitation charges can be prosecuted harshly in Arizona. If you are arrested or under investigation for soliciting a prostitute, you may be feeling shocked, overwhelmed, or scared for your future and reputation. Although it is critical to take the charges seriously, you can rest easier knowing that you have skilled legal counsel on your side.

Anyone facing these allegations should make it a priority to seek help from a Glendale solicitation lawyer at our firm. We have helped countless individuals defeat these charges, and we are prepared to help you too. Call Grand Canyon Law Group today to set up a meeting.