Engaging in prostitution or solicitation is a sex crime under Ohio law. Unfortunately, because these charges are classified as sex crimes, a conviction can lead to prison time, fines, and sex offender registration. If you are facing sex crime charges, a prostitution solicitation defense lawyer in Cleveland may help you with your case.
The legal team at HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys has spent decades defending our clients from severe criminal penalties. We can connect you with a Cleveland sex crime defense lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Ohio’s criminal justice system and what it will take to get your criminal charge reduced or dismissed.
Give us the opportunity to help you with your prostitution or solicitation case. To get started, schedule a free consultation with us.
How Does Ohio Law Define Solicitation?
The Ohio Revised Code defines solicitation as intentionally attempting to compel, persuade, induce, or encourage another person to engage in sexual activity for hire or money.
Although this charge generally involves exchanging money, individuals can still receive prostitution charges if drugs, goods, or other services are exchanged for sexual activities.
A person can face solicitation charges if the individual whom they attempted to solicit was not a sex worker. Payment does not have to be made directly to the person engaging in prostitution.
Thus, you can be charged with solicitation if you pay a person who is involved in the human trafficking of someone else or others associated with this individual.
HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys offers in–depth legal guidance and support to those dealing with the aftermath of a solicitation charge.
Allow a Cleveland criminal defense lawyer from our team to serve as your representative and advocate as you go through the legal process that follows a sex crime arrest. Contact us today for more information.
For a free legal consultation with a prostitution solicitation defense lawyer serving Cleveland, call 216-774-0000
What Are the Penalties if You Are Convicted of Prostitution or Solicitation?
Your prostitution solicitation defense attorney in Cleveland wants you to take your criminal charge seriously. They will explain the penalties that you can receive if you’re convicted of prostitution or solicitation. Below are details about three prostitution and solicitation offenses and the penalties associated with them.
Soliciting a Prostitute
This criminal offense is defined in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.24. Soliciting a prostitute is typically classified as a misdemeanor. This charge can carry up to 60 days of jail time and fines of up to $500.
Soliciting or Compelling Prostitution from a Minor Between the Ages of 16 and 18
Those arrested for soliciting or compelling prostitution from a minor between 16 and 18 years old will be charged with a second-degree felony. Being convicted of this crime can lead to two to eight years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
Compelling Prostitution from a Minor Under the Age of 16
If you are convicted of compelling prostitution from a minor under 16 years old, you will face first-degree felony penalties. A first-degree felony in Ohio is punishable by an indefinite prison term of three to 11 years, with a maximum potential sentence of up to 16.5 years.
If the prostitute was a minor, you will have to register as a sex offender, regardless of whether you knew their age at the time of the offense. Expect your Cleveland prostitution solicitation defense lawyer to share FAQs and other legal resources relating to felonies and other case topics.
In addition, your attorney will gather evidence and use their knowledge of Ohio’s legal system to find ways to dispute the prosecution’s case.
Cleveland Prostitution Solicitation Defense Lawyer Near Me 216-774-0000
Prostitution Solicitation Defense Strategies in Cleveland That You Need to Know About
Ultimately, your criminal charge will negatively impact you now and in the future. Your Cleveland prostitution solicitation defense attorney can collect evidence from a wide range of sources and create a custom legal defense strategy based on the circumstances of your case.
Potential defenses for your charge include:
- The agreement was too ambiguous. Based on the facts of your case, the court may consider whether there was a clear agreement or offer to exchange money or valuables for sexual activity. If no such agreement or offer exists, the prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove that you should be convicted.
- There was no sexual conduct. If no sexual activity occurred or there was no payment exchange for sexual conduct, your lawyer could argue that solicitation did not happen.
- There was a mistake. You had no real intention to solicit a prostitute, or you face false sex offense allegations. In either of these scenarios, your lawyer will work hard to prove that you do not deserve to be convicted of a criminal charge.
When it comes to any sex crime charges, leave nothing to chance. Allow criminal defense lawyers with an outstanding reputation to assist you with your legal matters.
Your lawyer will explore every legal avenue on your behalf as they help you dispute your criminal charges and achieve your desired case outcome.
Click to contact our Cleveland Sex Crime Defense Lawyers today
Our Prostitution Solicitation Defense Lawyers in Cleveland Stand Up for Our Clients
If you are convicted of a sex crime, you are subject to jail time and other criminal penalties. Plus, your conviction will appear on your criminal record, making it difficult for you to land a job, buy a home, and achieve other life milestones.
Meet with our prostitution solicitation defense attorneys in Cleveland, and we will help you take the first step to defend against a criminal conviction. HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys has a track record of success in cases involving felony charges.
We provide comprehensive legal representation and personalized legal strategies for those who have been arrested for sex crimes. We protect our clients’ constitutional rights. To find out more, consult with a criminal defense attorney from our team.
Call or text 216-774-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
