Chapin Solicitation Lawyer
State law prohibits the solicitation of prostitution, and you could face confinement or a substantial fine if you are found guilty of solicitation. Even “unsuccessful” attempts to solicit sexual services for payment could result in arrest and criminal charges. If you are facing criminal charges for solicitation, speak help with a diligent defense attorney.
A skilled defense attorney who understands prostitution and solicitation laws could safeguard your legal rights, defend you against solicitation or related charges, and work to achieve the best possible resolution to your case. It could be especially beneficial to work with a Chapin solicitation lawyer to discuss your case.
Solicitation Laws in Chapin
The offense of solicitation involves offering another person money or something else of value in exchange for the provision of sexual activity. In other words, solicitation is the act of offering to pay a person to engage in prostitution. Solicitation is prohibited in the South Carolina Code of Laws under Chapter 15 of Title 16, which outlines offenses against morality and decency.
The law also prohibits individuals from aiding others in the solicitation of prostitution. For example, driving a friend to a place of prostitution knowing the friend’s purpose for going there is to solicit a prostitute is a criminal offense. Likewise, procuring a prostitute for someone else who intends to commit solicitation is also a criminal offense.
Providing any type of assistance to another person interested in soliciting the services of a prostitute is against the law and could result in arrest and criminal charges. An experienced Chapin solicitation lawyer could provide further clarification on what type of acts constitute solicitation or prostitution or a related offense.
Penalties of a Conviction
The penalties for solicitation of prostitution in Chapin vary depending on whether it was a first, second, or subsequent solicitation offense. The first offense of soliciting someone for prostitution is punishable by incarceration for 30 days or less. Alternatively, a person could be fined up to $200 in lieu of incarceration.
The penalties for a second or subsequent conviction of solicitation are more severe than for a first offense. A person convicted a second time could be penalized by up to six months imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.
Subsequent convictions for solicitation of prostitution are punishable by incarceration for not less than one year or a fine as high as $3,000. A person could also be sentenced to both incarceration and a fine upon conviction of solicitation for a third or subsequent offense. A defense lawyer who handles solicitation cases in Chapin could answer questions about the punishments associated with solicitation offenses committed under various circumstances.
Speak with a Chapin Solicitation Attorney
Fighting criminal charges of solicitation on your own can be intimidating, as well as extremely challenging. Fortunately, legal assistance is available, and you do not have to face the charges alone. Let a Chapin solicitation lawyer defend you against the charges.
When you work with a lawyer, you could have someone on your side fighting for your best interests while also protecting your constitutional rights, including your fundamental right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Call today to get started building your defense.