Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Attorney

Prostitution or solicitation convictions can carry a lifetime of consequences. In addition to any penalties you may receive, a sex crime criminal conviction could ruin your reputation.

A qualified and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can protect you.

Accusations of prostitution or solicitation can happen for any number of reasons. There could have been a miscommunication, misinterpretation, an impulsive act, or a regrettable mistake. Whenever there are accusations of committing prostitution or solicitation, an aggressive criminal defense attorney may be able to help you avoid a conviction and keep you out of jail. Accusations are common in Detroit, Lansing, Warren, and many other locations around Michigan.

What is prostitution, and what is solicitation?

Prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value. In Michigan, prostitution also includes offering or consenting to sexual conduct for payment. Solicitation occurs when someone offers to pay or give something of value to another person for sexual services. A charge for prostitution or solicitation can be initiated by word or gesture. It does not matter whether the incident of solicitation or prostitution occurred in public or private.

The sexual act need not occur for someone to be charged with the criminal offenses of prostitution or solicitation. All that needs to happen is the attempt to engage another person to perform sexual services from another.

Prostitution and Solicitation Penalties

Prostitution and solicitation are sex crimes, and any conviction related to this criminal offense can have dire consequences. According to Michigan law, prostitution and solicitation punishments are as follows:

First Offense – Misdemeanor- a possibility of 93 days of imprisonment and two (2) years on probation

Second Offense – Misdemeanor – one (1) year of imprisonment and up to two years on probation

Third Offense – Felony – two (2) years of imprisonment, up to five (5) years on probation, and up to a $2,000 fine

Unfortunately, the collateral consequences of a prostitution or solicitation conviction can be worse than jail and probation. Having such a conviction on your record can make obtaining a job, advancing your career, or obtaining or maintaining a professional license very difficult. These convictions are routinely used against someone in divorce and custody proceedings. For aliens, Green Card holders, and non-U.S. citizens, a prostitution or solicitation conviction can result in deportation and other immigration-related consequences.

Solicitation of Sex from a Minor in Exchange for Something of Value

Anyone that engages or offers to engage the services of another person, who is less than 18 years of age and who is not their spouse, for prostitution, lewdness, or assignation, by the payment of money or another form of consideration, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years or a fine of not more than $10,000. Typically, trafficking a minor charges would be used when the victim is a teenager between 16 and 18 years of age (or younger).

What can a criminal defense attorney do to protect me?

Prosecutors and judges treat people accused of sex crimes, such as prostitution or solicitation, harsher than those charged with a non-sex crime. Prosecutors will undoubtedly work harder to convict you and advocate for you to receive a harsher penalty because prostitution is considered a sex crime. It is critical that if you have been accused or believe you will face prostitution or solicitation allegations, do not speak to anyone (especially the police) until you have a lawyer to protect you.

You have rights afforded to you under the law. A defense attorney with vast experience is the best person to safeguard and protect the rights of someone charged with prostitution and solicitation in Detroit and elsewhere in the tri-county area of Michigan.

Police officers frequently play fast and loose with the law and a suspect’s rights in prostitution and solicitation cases. They rely on the fact that most defendants get court-appointed lawyers who railroad their clients through the system without challenging the evidence or constitutional violations. The defense attorneys from LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. know how to contest these allegations, confront police officers, counter the prosecutor, get evidence thrown out, and offer a persuasive argument for the dismissal of charges.

A prostitution or solicitation charge doesn’t have to damage your reputation and relationships.

Most individuals accused of prostitution or solicitation are good, moral people without prior records. It is embarrassing if people find out that someone is charged with prostitution or solicitation. Personal, family, and professional relationships can suffer damage just from the accusation that this offense occurred. Hiring a top defense law firm like LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. sends a clear message that you are taking your defense seriously. With our help, it may not be necessary for anyone ever to find out you faced these allegations. Our experienced lawyers can deploy any number of their specialized strategies that have proven effective over the years to shield clients from the embarrassment of a charge. In many cases, we can prevent a conviction.

Judgment Free Zone

Clients of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., are treated with respect and dignity. We will never judge you. You can expect us to return your calls and emails promptly. We will patiently listen to your story, answer all of your questions, and find a way to help you. We will be on your side and have your back.

The Best Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Attorney for Detroit, Lansing, Warren, and other cities throughout Michigan

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has a team of experienced lawyers who can protect you, minimize potential consequences, and get you the best possible outcome. We have decades of experience defending prostitution and solicitation charges in the Detroit area, Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties, and in cities throughout Michigan. We offer zealous and effective representation at a fair price.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.