If you have been charged with criminal solicitation, whether it is the solicitation of prostitution or another crime, it is important that you speak with a criminal attorney in Palm Beach County as soon as possible. Depending on the type of crime being solicited, penalties could range from a short jail sentence and a small fine to 30 years in prison or even a life sentence. A West Palm Beach lawyer are ready to help you fight for your rights and provide you with the legal assistance and support you need in your unique solicitation case.
What is Solicitation?
Solicitation is most often associated with prostitution, but a person can solicit someone to commit any criminal act. If a person asks, urges, or bribes another person to commit a crime, such as robbery, sex in exchange for money, or even murder, it could be considered “solicitation.” It is important to understand that it is not necessary for the crime to take place, an agreement to be made, or money to exchange hands for a charge of solicitation. This is why solicitation is often referred to as an “incomplete crime.” Some examples of criminal solicitation include:
- Asking for sex in exchange for money or drugs
- Paying someone to assault another person
- Hiring a hit man
A lawyer in West Palm Beach could help someone accused of solicitation.
Penalties for Soliciting a Prostitute
Solicitation does not seem like a major crime, especially if no criminal action takes place. However, penalties for solicitation can surprisingly be just as severe as if the criminal act actually occurred.
The soliciting of a prostitute, for example, is charged based on the number of past offenses and ranges from 60 days in jail and $500 in fines to up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines (Florida Statutes Sections 775.082, 775.083, and 775.084) in unique and serious cases.
On the other hand, soliciting to commit murder could be charged as a first-degree felony, resulting in 30 years in prison or even life imprisonment. No murder even needs to have taken place, simply asking someone to commit a murder can justify an arrest.
Other details, such as whether a minor was involved in the solicitation, could also affect charges and sentencing in the case.
How a West Palm Beach Attorney Can Help with Solicitation Charges
Florida law enforcement agencies often conduct undercover “stings” to catch people in the act of solicitation. For example, if a person offers an undercover police officer sex in exchange for money, he or she could be charged with solicitation.
A lawyer in West Palm Beach can help protect their client’s rights in a solicitation case and many others. They can help them by:
- Building a solid defense strategy
- Fighting on their behalf in court
- Negotiating for lesser penalties
- Answering their questions and keeping them informed on all details of the case
Contact a West Palm Beach Solicitation Attorney Today
Solicitation can be a serious crime in Florida and one that could have the power to negatively impact you and your family emotionally and financially. However, you may have legal options and it is your attorney’s job to vigorously defend you and develop defenses and alternative resolutions that can save your family, your job, your reputation and of course your freedom
We understand just how devastating a criminal charge can be and we are dedicated to zealously defending you against these charges. Learn more about how we can help you by contacting a West Palm Beach solicitation lawyer today.
