Prostitution related activity is being cracked down upon all over Florida, and to curb demand for these services, prosecutors are turning their sights on the people who solicit for these services. A solicitation charge carries long-lasting effects even after the sentence is served and may impact your finances, career as well as current and future relationships.
If you have been in any way involved with a solicitation for prostitution, you should contact one of our knowledgeable Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert that has experience in solicitation cases. A qualified Sunrise solicitation Lawyer can review your case thoroughly to understand the potential consequences and strategies for preventing them. To get started on discussing the details of your case, be sure to schedule a consultation today.
What Constitutes Solicitation in Sunrise?
Florida statute § 796.07 sets forth various prostitution-related crimes that extend to prostitution, lewdness, assignation, and other sexual activity, and include the following:
- Receiving, offering or agreeing to receive, any person into any place for prostitution
- Soliciting or procuring another to commit prostitution
- Purchasing the services of anyone engaged in prostitution
- Aiding or participating in any of these acts
Someone can be charged with solicitation even if they do not engage in sexual activities with a prostitute if that person takes steps that would cause the police to reasonably believe that person did solicit a prostitute. Solicitation for prostitution comes in all shapes and sizes, and it may not be entirely clear to either party that this is what is happening. An Attorney can help a person understand what solicitation is under Sunrise law and what rights they have if they have been arrested.
Elements that Could Influence Penalties for Solicitation
The public policy of Florida is reflected in the treatment of prostitutes and their solicitors. The punishment for a solicitation charge is generally more severe than its prostitution counterpart and largely due to a number of factors.
Number of Violations
The severity of a solicitation charge depends on the number of violations. Under §796.07(5), a first violation carries a charge for a Misdemeanor in the first degree, which comes with a sentence of up to one year in jail, and a $1,000 fine, which most offenders receive 12-month probation for STD testing and AIDS training. A second violation carries a Felony charge in the third degree, a prison and probation sentence of up to five years, and a $5,000 fine plus court costs. Three or more violations is a Felony in the second degree and carries a prison sentence up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine. Penalties are higher for habitual felons.
Florida also has something called the “John Statute,” which was enacted to deter people from soliciting prostitutes. Section 796.07(6) provides that anyone caught soliciting a prostitute must pay a $5,000 fine in addition to any other penalty.
How Does Age and Status Impact a Solicitation Case?
The sad reality is that more and more minors are becoming involved in prostitution. According to the Law, adults who involve minors in prostitution-related acts are to be prosecuted under other criminal statutes because minors are not able to consent. These other statutes include human trafficking, sexual battery, video voyeurism, lewdness, abuse of children, and obscenity.
Similarly, if an adult solicited person was a victim of human trafficking, a solicitation charge could transform into something more serious involving participation in human trafficking.
Contact a Sunrise Solicitation Attorney Today for a Consultation
If you have been charged with solicitation or a related offense, you need to protect your rights. A qualified Sunrise solicitation Lawyer can work with you to assess the details of your case, build defenses, and fight for you in court. Schedule a consultation today with one of our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert to discuss your case and the next steps. Doing so could be vital in your effort towards obtaining a positive result to your case.
