Birmingham Solicitation Lawyer

Though the actual harm to society stemming from prostitution and solicitation is often the subject of debate, the fact of the matter is that convictions of these types of offenses can and regularly do have severe repercussions on the accused as well as their entire families.

The embarrassment and sense of shame that can result from being found guilty of these acts follow some individuals for years, causing significant damage to their reputations, professional standing and other vital aspects of their lives.

Furthermore, the jail time, monetary fines and possible sex offender registration requirements regularly imposed raise the stakes even further for each and every defendant.

These are just a few of the reasons why anyone facing a sex-related charge in Michigan owes it to themselves to secure the aid of a Birmingham solicitation defense lawyer who is prepared to do battle on their behalf.

It is not uncommon for the offenses of prostitution and solicitation to be used in a somewhat interchangeable manner, but it is worth noting that the crimes are actually distinct and separate. Whereas prostitution involves a transaction of sexual acts in exchange for money, solicitation is the act of seeking or requesting that such a transaction take place.

Therefore, while a prostitution conviction requires that the sexual activity actually occurred, solicitation simply requires that there was intent for it to occur and that a transaction was proposed.

Individuals who offer to engage another’s services for purposes of prostitution or other lewd acts in exchange for money or other forms of payment will be found guilty of a misdemeanor. Acting in the same manner with someone who is under age 18 is also designated as a crime, and the offense will yield potential punishments of a more stringent nature.

Mich Comp. Laws § 750.451 articulates the sanctions that can be expected by those convicted of solicitation and prostitution offenses. For instance:

• First-time offenders may be sentenced to up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
• Second-time offenders may receive imprisonment of up to a year, a fine upwards of $1,000, or both
• Those convicted for a third time are eligible for two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,000
• Individuals convicted of the felony offense of soliciting someone under the age of 18 will be subject to imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both

It should also be noted that prostitution and solicitation crimes are often detected through the use of sting operations in which police offers serve as decoys in locations known for high rates of this type of crime.

When an individual approaches one of these undercover officers and engages in solicitation, an arrest is made and in many circumstances, the suspect’s vehicle will be seized and can ultimately subject to forfeiture. A Birmingham solicitation lawyer can help you protect your rights.

There can be no doubt about the scorn and shame that, in the minds of many, attach to criminal offenses relating to prostitution and solicitation. Sadly, these feelings of embarrassment sometimes prevent accused individuals from seeking the legal help they truly need in order to fight the charges against them.

Considering the threats to freedom, reputation, finances and even marital relationships solicitation convictions pose, it is vital that anyone facing such a charge consult with knowledgeable legal counsel.

A skilled solicitation defense lawyer in Birmingham can thoroughly explore the detailed facts of a client’s case, carefully identifying flaws in police procedure and prosecution arguments. In all situations, a Birmingham solicitation attorney will strive to have charges lowered or even dismissed altogether, but if that proves unlikely, every effort will be made to mitigate the negative impact at sentencing.

The effects of a solicitation conviction can be long-lasting and profound, not just for the accused, but for their families as well. If you are facing charges of this type, there is no room for delay. To discover how a Birmingham solicitation lawyer can advocate for your right to fair treatment before the law, contact us today.