West Columbia Solicitation Lawyer

Solicitation charges can greatly affect your reputation and may subject you to significant criminal penalties. Penalties such as jail time, fines, and the loss of certain rights may result. Solicitation of a prostitute is a major charge, and falls under the category of a prostitution offense under state law. A strong legal defense could help prevent these types of penalties and protect your constitutional rights.

An experienced West Columbia solicitation lawyer can build you a customized defense that will protect your rights. Schedule a consultation today to get started.

Definition of Solicitation

A charge of solicitation is defined by South Carolina Code Section 16-15-90. This is the same statute that defines prostitution. In fact, solicitation is not a separate charge, but is instead a type of prostitution charge under state law. That means that a person charge with solicitation of a prostitute will face a charge of “prostitution.”

Solicitation occurs when a person seeks the services of a prostitute in exchange for services or money. A person can be charged with solicitation for seeking a prostitute for themselves or even for other people. When a prostitution charge appears on a person’s record it can greatly impact their lives, their ability to be employed, and their ability to work in certain types of jobs.

Attempt to Solicit

A person never actually has to engage in a sexual act to be charged with solicitation. Simply attempting to procure a prostitute can result in a solicitation charge. This means that there is no separate charge for attempted solicitation, instead the attempt is the same as the criminal charge.

This often comes up in situations where law enforcement has set up a “sting operation” to catch defendants who are attempting to engage in solicitation. Even without the completion of sexual act, a defendant could still face serious charges.

Penalties for a Solicitation Conviction

When a person is convicted of solicitation, they face very serious criminal penalties. These penalties can affect a person’s life for a very long time and can have a detrimental effect on their reputation, finances, and freedom.

• First Conviction – A first conviction can result in up to thirty days in jail and a fine of up to $200.
• Second Conviction – A second conviction may result in up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
• Third and Subsequent Convictions – A third or any other conviction following it may result in up to one year in prison as well as a fine of up to $3,000.

In addition to these types of penalties, there is often other effects in their lives. Solicitation charges can carry a great deal of stigma that can follow them into the workplace, their family life, and much more. Many people lose their job following a conviction and others may have trouble finding a job in the future.

Building a Proper Defense

A strong defense can help make the difference in how a charge will affect a defendant’s life. A proper defensive strategy could result in a reduction or even dismissal of the charges depending on the circumstances of the defendant’s case.

Build Your Defense with a Solicitation Attorney in West Columbia

A strong defense can help prevent the worst possible penalties under the right circumstances. Your rights deserve protection against state prosecutors and these charges.

An experienced West Columbia solicitation lawyer will help you build a defense to protect yourself against these charges. Contact us today for help.