Facing arrest for soliciting a prostitute is overwhelming, but dealing with a conviction for that offense could be worse if you do not have a strong defense. Outside of the social stigma that you might face, you could also endure time behind bars and costly fines. Luckily, you have the right to fight back against these charges with the help of a practiced defense attorney.
If you are facing allegations of solicitation, it is important that you seek out legal counsel right away. By fighting back against the charges, you could avoid a harmful conviction that could haunt you forever. Let a Hackensack solicitation lawyer work with you to develop a viable defense strategy.
Solicitation offenses are governed by New Jersey Statutes §2C:34-1.1. The statute applies to both solicitation and prostitution offenses, given that the two offenses are so closely related. An available attorney in Hackensack could help a person charged with solicitation understand what could be at stake if they are convicted.
According to the statute, solicitation occurs when a person offers money or other valuable items in exchange for some form of a sexual act. It is important to note that the offer alone is the crime. There does not need to be an agreement between the parties.
A person convicted of solicitation could face a jail term of up to six months. In addition, a conviction could bring a maximum fine of $1000. In some situations, a solicitation conviction could also require the individual to register on the state’s sex offender list.
There are a few viable defense options available to individuals when fighting back against a solicitation charge. The police often jump to conclusions in these cases, and it is possible that they might make mistakes before arresting the individual. Under these circumstances, an experienced lawyer could investigate the facts of a Hackensack solicitation case and advise on the best possible defense strategies.
One of the most straightforward defenses is simply holding the state to its burden of proof. The prosecutor has to show that the individual solicited a prostitute beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail to do so, the party is entitled to an acquittal. Often, the evidence in these cases is weak, so highlighting the lack of a compelling case is the best defense strategy.
Another common defense in a solicitation case is entrapment. This defense is common, given that many solicitation arrests occur during sting operations. While these operations are generally lawful, the police could go too far.
If you have been charged with solicitation, now is the time to act. Your reputation could be in jeopardy, and so is your freedom. The sooner you develop a defense strategy to fight back against these charges, the better your odds of success.
Let a Hackensack solicitation lawyer guide you through the criminal justice system. Our team is prepared to fight for your rights, so call soon to get started.