Goose Creek Solicitation Lawyer

Solicitation charges are serious. If convicted, you potentially face prison time and high fines. Additionally, a “prostitution” charge could cause significant damage to your reputation. A strong criminal defense could make all the difference in defending your unique case.

A Goose Creek solicitation lawyer is prepared to examine the facts of your case to build a customized defense. Our office wants to work with you and defend your constitutional rights. Contact us today to get started.

Handling Solicitation Charges

There is no separate statute for “solicitation” under state law. Instead, the law is found in South Carolina Code § 16-15-90, which is the prostitution statute. Solicitation happens when an individual seeks the company or services of a prostitute in exchange for something of value, such as money, favors, services, and more.

A person may be charged with solicitation if found seeking services for themselves or others. In either case, this crime falls under the purview of the state prostitution statute. This charge might have major ramifications for a person’s future, as significant criminal penalties are associated with the offense. Additionally, there is a great deal of reputation damage and social stigma surrounding prostitution and solicitation charges.

An attempt to solicit prostitution is not a separate charge. Even if a person is unsuccessful, the effort constitutes the act, meaning the crime is charged as if the individual completed the action. A knowledgeable Goose Creek solicitation attorney could assess an individual case and help determine the optimal way forward.

Penalties for Solicitation in Goose Creek

Solicitation charges and their penalties hinge primarily on the number of prior prostitution convictions on a person’s record. As solicitation falls under the prostitution statute, the same penalties apply whether the person was accused of soliciting or some other act of prostitution.

First Conviction for Solicitation

A defendant’s first conviction for solicitation may result in up to thirty days in jail. It might also result in a fine of up to $200.

Second Conviction for Solicitation

If a defendant is successfully convicted of their second offense, they could face a jail sentence of up to six months. The person may also face a fine of up to $1,000.

Third and Subsequent Convictions for Solicitation

If an individual gets a third or subsequent solicitation conviction, they will face a minimum of one year in prison. The person could also face a fine of up to $3,000.

A local defense attorney is familiar with the punishments of solicitation crimes and could advise someone of the possible defenses in their case.

The Effects of a Prostitution Charge on Employment

While the criminal sanctions are certainly enough to contend with, a conviction could impact a person’s life in many other ways. Because a solicitation or “prostitution” conviction carries a social stigma, it may become difficult to get a job. Employers might choose not to hire someone with these charges, or even terminate the person if they are an existing employee.

Defense from a Goose Creek solicitation attorney could make all the difference in avoiding these ramifications.

Work with a Goose Creek Solicitation Attorney Today

You have a right to defend your case against solicitation charges. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted, as the prosecutor still has to prove the case. A strong defense could help you avoid a conviction and defend yourself against such accusations.

An experienced Goose Creek solicitation lawyer is here to assist you. Contact our firm today to get started.