Being charged with patronizing prostitution is a serious crime in Knoxville. Not only can you face possible jail time, but you also risk other consequences that can affect your life for years into the future. If you are facing solicitation charges, you need immediate legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
A Knoxville solicitation lawyer at Price Benowitz can review the facts and circumstances of your case. They could work to obtain the best possible legal resolution to the charges against you.
Solicitation or patronizing prostitution is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-514, and the law lays out specific elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. The key elements of solicitation of prostitution are:
Solicitation can lead to criminal charges, even if no act was completed. The criminal offense is the solicitation itself (or the attempt to do so). All it requires for a conviction is that there was an offer and intent. Because solicitation laws are complex, having a knowledgeable Knoxville attorney on your side can be crucial in protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
The penalty for solicitation depends on the type of offense that was involved. Solicitation of a minor is treated as a felony. Depending on the type of offense, you can face up to 30 years in jail and must register as a sex offender.
Patronizing or soliciting prostitution is typically treated as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500 (although the penalties can escalate based on the nature of the offense and where it occurred).
Not only are there criminal penalties associated with solicitation, but there is also a stigma attached to being convicted of a crime related to sex. Depending on the nature of the conviction, you may not be able to have it expunged from your record, even after time has passed and you have completed the legal process. Let a well-practiced lawyer in Knoxville represent you in fighting charges for patronizing prostitution.
Defending against solicitation charges requires a strategic approach based on the specific facts of the case. Common defenses include lack of intent, meaning the accused did not genuinely intend to engage in a sexual act for compensation. Entrapment is another potential defense. This arises when law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed, as often happens when police run sting operations.
Insufficient evidence may also be raised if the prosecution cannot prove the elements of solicitation beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, misidentification or mistaken identity may be a viable defense, especially in sting operations or online communications. Additionally, if the alleged communication was vague or ambiguous, a diligent patronizing prostitution charges attorney in Knoxville may argue that no clear agreement or offer was made.
Facing a charge for patronizing prostitution can have serious legal and personal consequences. A Knoxville solicitation lawyer at Price Benowitz is here to provide skilled, nonjudgmental representation tailored to your unique situation. Our team will work to protect your rights, build a strong defense, and work to minimize the impact on your future.
Do not face the justice system alone. Call today for a confidential case evaluation and get the legal support you need to move forward.
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