Penalties for a solicitation charge could include imprisonment, fines, and your name on the sex offender registry. If you face allegations of solicitation, the criminal process may feel overwhelming. An experienced Chicago solicitation lawyer could help you navigate the criminal justice process.
For those charged with solicitation, it is imperative to speak with a skilled lawyer right away. The defense attorneys at Price Benowitz understand what is at stake and could advocate to protect your legal interests. They dedicate themselves to answering your questions and ensuring you fully understand each step of the legal process.
What Is Solicitation?
Solicitation occurs when someone commands, encourages, or requests another person to participate in prostitution or a sexual act. For solicitation to be a crime, there must be an exchange of something of value for a sexual act. This could include money, property, or anything else of value. A solicitation charge could be brought even if the underlying crime never occurs. A knowledgeable Chicago attorney could answer your questions about what constitutes a solicitation offense.
What Is the Potential Punishment for Solicitation?
If someone is charged in Chicago with first-offense solicitation, they allegedly committed a Class A misdemeanor and would benefit from legal counsel. The maximum punishment for a Class A misdemeanor is imprisonment for up to one year and a fine not to exceed $2,500.
If a person is convicted of more than one charge of solicitation, the maximum punishment increases. A second or subsequent solicitation charge could result in a Class 2 felony with a maximum punishment of three to seven years in prison.
Solicitation involving a minor or a person with a profound intellectual disability could result in a harsher punishment. A conviction for solicitation may also require registration on the sex offender registry. An experienced solicitation lawyer could help those charged understand all the potential ramifications of a conviction.
What Are Common Defense Strategies Against Charges of Solicitation?
When charged with solicitation in Chicago, it is important to have a dedicated lawyer analyze the facts of the case and assist in creating a defense. A potential defense to a solicitation charge is that the defendant did not intend to commit solicitation. A defense attorney may also argue that there is a lack of evidence or that law enforcement entrapped the defendant.
Mistaken identity is another potential defense to a charge of solicitation. An attorney may argue that the defendant took steps to prevent the solicitation after initially soliciting another, thereby renouncing their intention. Another defense may be that nothing of value was exchanged for services, and therefore, the solicitation was misinterpreted.
If an individual believes they face charges of solicitation, it is imperative to speak with an experienced solicitation lawyer immediately to discuss the case and determine a defense strategy.
Contact a Seasoned Solicitation Attorney in Chicago Today
A potential conviction for the charge of solicitation could be scary. The penalties could be steep, and a conviction may result in lifelong consequences, impacting every facet of your life. If you suspect that you may be charged with solicitation, it is important to seek the assistance of a skilled Chicago solicitation lawyer.
The experienced attorneys at Price Benowitz are criminal defense attorneys who are ready to fight for you. They could analyze the facts of your case to provide an exceptional legal defense. Contact our legal team for a free case evaluation today.
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