Mesa Solicitation Lawyer 

According to Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1002, solicitation is “preparatory” crime with the intent of committing future criminal acts. Solicitation crimes appear in a couple of different ways in Arizona. These can be acts that are connected to any other crime, such as theft, money laundering, homicide, etc. But when most people hear the term “solicitation” they connect it to a sexual offense such as prostitution.

Regardless of the crime it is connected to, a solicitation charge can have a severe impact on your reputation and future opportunities. If convicted, you face a permanent criminal record that can affect your ability to gain employment, procure housing, obtain assorted licenses, win a child custody case, and exercise your rights.

If you are charged with this type of crime, consult a Mesa solicitation lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group immediately. Our relentless defense attorneys can provide valuable counsel to help you navigate the legal system and avoid the serious consequences of a conviction.

What Qualifies as Solicitation in Mesa? 

For an action to be considered as solicitation in a sexual context in Arizona, it must meet the following conditions under A.R.S.§ 13-3214:

• There was an offer of money or other items of value in exchange for sexual conduct
• The defendant intended to perform sexual acts, or such acts occurred
• There was a “substantial act” designed to advance the offer
• There was online solicitation of a minor, such as offering or asking for sexual favors

Sex solicitation might involve requesting sexual services from a prostitute or any other individual in exchange for money or valuable goods, all of which require an attorney’s assistance. Individuals are found guilty of solicitation if they command, encourage, or request prostitution, or solicit another person to engage in sex acts for money.

Penalties for a Solicitation Conviction 

If convicted of sexual solicitation, the accused faces devastating penalties even if the incident was a first offense. If convicted of a first offense, the defendant faces a possible fine as well as at least 15 days in jail and completion of a court-ordered treatment or education program. A second conviction equals a minimum of 30 days in jail, a mandatory fee of $2,000 paid to the Human Trafficking Prevention Fund, other possible fines, and completion of a court-ordered treatment program.

Penalties naturally increase for third and fourth convictions. For third convictions, the defendant faces at least 60 days in jail, a fine of $2,250 paid to the Human Trafficking Prevention Fund, treatment program completion, and other possible fines. Fourth and subsequent convictions include fees of $2,500 paid to the trafficking fund, as well as at least 180 days in jail, a court-ordered treatment program, and other potential fines.

However, our team works hard to avoid or minimize these penalties. And we know how to attack the case against our clients.

Defenses Against Prostitution-Related Charges

Common attorney defenses in solicitation charges include police officer violations, such as failing to read Miranda rights or harassing the defendant into admitting acts they did not do. Searching the defendant’s home or workplace without a warrant also calls for case dismissal. Additionally, in many instances the arrest took place because the defendant solicited an undercover officer. In that case, our team can pursue arguments that no sexual encounters would have taken place and the case subsequently lacks sufficient evidence.

Contact an Attorney Today About Recent Solicitation Charges

Work with a Mesa solicitation lawyer from our firm if you were recently charged or arrested. Our attorneys defend clients tirelessly, showing them as valuable community members who simply made errors in judgement or were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Let us help you defend yourself against serious allegations. You have a way of life worth saving.