Spartanburg Solicitation Lawyer

In South Carolina, solicitation of a prostitute is charged under the same laws as prostitution. This means that if convicted, you will be found guilty of prostitution. Solicitation charges are serious and can lead to significant criminal penalties, as well as a mark on your criminal record that could affect your life for years to come.

If you face a solicitation charge, be proactive in your defense and reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Spartanburg solicitation lawyer could help determine a well-tailored strategy for your case and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process.

Solicitation Charges Under South Carolina Law

Sexual solicitation charges fall under the broad category of prostitution offenses, governed by Code Section 16-15-90. There is no separate code section for “solicitation.”

State law defines sexual solicitation as seeking the services of a prostitute for the exchange of money or services. If a person solicits or procures a prostitute for themselves or another, they can be charged under the prostitution statute. These types of allegations can leave a lasting stain on a defendant’s criminal record.

With solicitation charges, the sex act does not have to actually occur for charges to be leveled against the defendant. The mere attempt to solicit prostitution can subject the defendant to these criminal accusations. This type of situation often occurs in sting operations, where an undercover police officer poses as a prostitute. Even when no sexual act occurs, a person can be charged with a solicitation offense and face severe penalties.

Penalties for Sexual Solicitation in Spartanburg

If a person is convicted on solicitation charges, the consequences can impact their freedom, reputation, and future prospects. The severity of criminal penalties that a person faces depends on the number of prior offenses for prostitution or solicitation.

First Conviction for Solicitation

After a first conviction for solicitation, a person may face a maximum possible fine of up to $200 and up to thirty days in jail.

Second Conviction for Solicitation

After a second conviction for solicitation, the penalties are increased. The offense is now punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and a maximum jail sentence of six months.

Third and All Subsequent Convictions

After a third conviction for solicitation, as well as all subsequent convictions, the penalties are increased to a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum possible fine of $3,000.

Collateral Consequences of a Solicitation Conviction

As a type of sex crime, solicitation carries a significant stigma. On the defendant’s criminal record, the offense will appear as a conviction for prostitution. This mark can have long-lasting consequences beyond the criminal penalties. For instance, employers may not hire a person with this charge on their record. It can also be difficult for a convicted person to get into certain colleges, obtain special licensure, and obtain housing. As such, it is crucial for anyone facing these charges to immediately contact a skilled solicitation attorney in their area.

Call a Spartanburg Solicitation Attorney to Defend Your Case

A proper legal defense could have a huge impact on your freedom, reputation, and future prospects. If you are facing sexual solicitation charges, you deserve to have a skilled legal advocate in your corner to fight back against the prosecutor’s charges.

An experienced Spartanburg solicitation lawyer could help you understand your legal rights and build a strong defense against these accusations. Contact us today for a consultation.