Solicitation for Prostitution
St. Petersburg Solicitation for Prostitution Attorney
If you have been arrested for Solicitation for Prostitution in the Tampa Bay Area including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Tampa, Hillsborough County, or surrounding counties, contact the Morris Law Firm, St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney, for specific information and experience on Solicitation for Prostitution cases in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.
What is Solicitation for Prostitution?
Solicitation is the encouraging, bribing, requesting, or commanding a person to commit a crime. In the case of Solicitation for Prostitution, it is quite literally asking that one commit Prostitution and is a misdemeanor (for first time offenses) under Florida Law. It should be noted that it is not necessary for money to exchange hands, only the offer of money needs to be made. As well, it is not necessary that a sexual act is committed, or that the person solicited actually be willing or able to commit the crime of prostitution (for example an undercover law enforcement officer conducting a Prostitution Sting operation).
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Florida Law on Solicitation for Prostitution:
Florida State Statute Chapter 796.07(2)(i)deals with Prostitution and specifically Solicitation for Prostitution.
In summary:
- Solicitation for Prostitution is a serious crime in the State of Florida punishable by fines and potential imprisonment. Solicitation for Prostitution also carries significant societal penalties and stigma.
- Solicitation for Prostitution is purchasing the services of any person engaged in prostitution.
- Solicitation for Prostitution is a second degree misdemeanor offense for first time offenders punishable by up to 60 days in jail, or 6 months probation, and/or a $500 fine.
- A third offense for Solicitation for Prostitution is a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison, or 5 years of probation, and/or significant fine under Florida State Statues.
The Statue states in part:
316.193
(2)It is unlawful:
(a)To own, establish, maintain, or operate any place, structure, building, or conveyance for the purpose of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution.
(b)To offer, or to offer or agree to secure, another for the purpose of prostitution or for any other lewd or indecent act.
(c)To receive, or to offer or agree to receive, any person into any place, structure, building, or conveyance for the purpose of prostitution, lewdness, or assignation, or to permit any person to remain there for such purpose.
(d)To direct, take, or transport, or to offer or agree to direct, take, or transport, any person to any place, structure, or building, or to any other person, with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that the purpose of such directing, taking, or transporting is prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.
(e)To offer to commit, or to commit, or to engage in, prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.
(f)To solicit, induce, entice, or procure another to commit prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.
(g)To reside in, enter, or remain in, any place, structure, or building, or to enter or remain in any conveyance, for the purpose of prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.
(h)To aid, abet, or participate in any of the acts or things enumerated in this subsection.
(i)To purchase the services of any person engaged in prostitution.
Solicitation for Prostitution Penalties:
(4) A person who violates any provision of this section commits:
(a) A misdemeanor of the second degree for a first violation, punishable as provided in s.775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) A misdemeanor of the first degree for a second violation, punishable as provided in s.775.082 or s. 775.083.
(c) A felony of the third degree for a third or subsequent violation, punishable as provided in s.775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(5) A person who is charged with a third or subsequent violation of this section shall be offered admission to a pretrial intervention program or a substance-abuse treatment program as provided in s. 948.08.
(6) A person who violates paragraph (2)(f) shall be assessed a civil penalty of $500 if the violation results in any judicial disposition other than acquittal or dismissal. The proceeds from penalties assessed under this subsection shall be paid to the circuit court administrator for the sole purpose of paying the administrative costs of treatment-based drug court programs provided under s. 397.334.
Other penalties may apply including:
- Publicity of the crime via local media including TV, newspaper, and online (including booking photos)
- Mandatory Health Test
- Impounding of vehicle if used in the commission of the crime
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Issues / Potential Defenses:
- Entrapment – if you were enticed to commit a crime that you otherwise would not have committed.
- Investigative Mistakes by Law Enforcement
- Mistaken Identity
- Miranda Rights – if you were not properly read your Miranda Rights, incriminating statements you may have made to law enforcement may be not be admissible in court.
We will strive to file any necessary motions to dismiss or motions to attempt to exclude evidence in an effort to maximize your opportunity for a positive outcome. As your criminal defense lawyer, we will represent you at any necessary pre‐trial hearings, pre‐trial motions, and at trial.
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What To Do Next:
If you have been arrested:
1. Don't speak to the police - ask to have an attorney present.
2. Don't give a written statement – again, ask to have an attorney present.
3. Contact an attorney immediately.
4. Collect and document your own evidence.
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You have a very narrow window of time between when you are arrested and when the State Attorney's office makes a decision to file a criminal charge against you. Hiring an attorney immediately to negotiate on your behalf gives you the best chance of avoiding criminal charges.
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Morris Law Firm | St. Petersburg Solicitation for Prostitution Attorney
If you have been arrested for Solicitation for Prostitution, contact a St. Petersburg First Time Offender Attorney to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in defending Solicitation for Prostitution offenders throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay, FL Area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Bradenton, Manatee, and Sarasota).