Understanding Sexual Solicitation Crime

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We live in a day and age where a lot of sex trafficking or prostitution begins online. If you walk down certain neighborhoods at certain times, you are likely to see a street worker offering sex. However, most interactions start online and then progress to an in-person meeting. When two people agree to exchange sexual favors for money or some other kind of favor, it is against Utah law. Officers will incorporate different tactics to catch both the solicitor and/or the sex worker in the act. One common example includes detectives making fake profiles on websites such as Craigslist, BackPage, and so forth. They will often include sexually explicit images or text to be later used as evidence against you.
What are the punishments for sexual solicitation?
In most cases involving two consenting adults who are patronizing a prostitute or sexual solicitation, it results in a Class A Misdemeanor. Punishment for these crimes can result in 90 to 1 year jail time and a fine of $1000 to $2500. The severity of these penalties will depend upon the crime’s situation and what charges may be currently on your record. If the prostitute is underage, the crimes and charges increase drastically.
Perhaps what is more concerning than the court-imposed punishments will be potential damage to your professional and personal life.
Why you need an attorney
Experienced criminal defense attorneys understand all the tools that someone charged with a crime must defend themselves legally. It is important to have someone aid you in your fight to explain yourself even from a basic standpoint. Judges and juries are going to make certain inferences to establish intent. When working with a local law office, you can relay your arrest situations so that an attorney can break down all the nuances of your arrest. This is especially important if you were arrested during a sting operation. Issues with how the evidence was gathered and entrapment claims can be made on your behalf.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]