Protect Yourself And Your Future With Effective Legal Counsel
Prostitution and/or solicitation are sex crime charges that can result in hefty fines, long prison sentences, and further punishments that extend far longer than even our constitution allows. Many of those found guilty of a sex crime have to file as sex offenders with the state and your personal and professional reputations, not to mention your entire future, are at stake.
At my firm, Judith Samson, Attorney At Law, we protect the members of our communities in Minnesota by providing our clients with strong and comprehensive strategies to combat these charges. We conduct our own investigations and examine all evidence to clear your name and protect the future of your family.
We have experience trying both federal and high-profile cases and are not afraid to take on a challenge. I have twenty years of experience with proven results in the area and the knowledge it takes to make a positive impact on your case today. Allow me to make a difference for you.
Essential And Individualized Representation In Solicitation and Prostitution Defense
What Are Solicitation And Inducement?
Solicitation refers to the act of requesting, demanding, or encouraging another person to engage in the act of prostitution. You can be arrested for simply having the intent to solicit someone, even if you don’t follow through with the act. If you request the services with the intent of following through, then you can be found guilty of a felony crime.
Inducement is a promise to engage in a certain action, such as prostitution, or the act of encouraging another to engage in the action. The term can refer to manipulating a person psychologically or physically, by threat or by the promise of gifts, to complete the act.
There is not much of a difference between the terms except that solicitation seems to be a direct request or encouragement while inducement suggests more of a grooming process and is perhaps more intimate and personal. But, in the eyes of the law, each word describes the same illegal activity that you do not want on your record.
Statute 609.322
Minnesota Legislative Statute 609.322 covers the solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution charges as well as certain sex trafficking procedures. These laws cover the person responsible for obtaining people to work for them as prostitutes and the promotions of these illegal services to others.
Solicitation, Inducement, And Promotion In The First Degree
This a felony charge that can be punished by no more than twenty years of imprisonment and a fine of no more than $50,000 for the first offense. Fines do not include court costs. Actions related to these charges are:
- soliciting, inducing, and promoting prostitution for anyone under the age of eighteen
- knowingly receives profit for the prostitution of anyone under the age of eighteen
- engages in child sex trafficking
Aggravating factors can increase the consequences. These charges are serious and demand the talents of a highly experienced lawyer.
Solicitation, Inducement, and Promotion In The Second Degree
Second-degree solicitation, indictment, and promotion refers to the same felonious actions as in the first degree but with victims over the age of eighteen. The consequences of these charges can cost you up to fifteen years in prison while having to pay a fine of up to $40,000.
Statute 609.324
Minnesota Legislative Statue 609.324 refers specifically to the patrons of prostitution, prostitution itself, and the illegal housing of individuals who may be involved in the practice.
Patrons, Prostitutes, Housing Those Engaged In Prostitution
Anyone who engages, or tries to engage, a minor under the age of thirteen for sex in an act of prostitution is a felony, even if the victim claims to be a minor and isn’t. This charge can garner a punishment of up to twenty years in prison and a $40,000 fine.
If a person either agrees to engage or engages in the felonious act of prostitution with a person they believe is between the ages of thirteen and sixteen can cause a person to spend up to ten years in prison and pay a $20,000 fine.
When a person agrees to engage, or engages, in an act of prostitution with a person they believe is in between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, they are committing a felony. This felony can carry a sentence of up to five years with a fine of up to $10,000.
Several other crimes are included in this statute:
- Anyone housing an unrelated minor known to be engaged in prostitution can spend up to a year in prison with a $5,000 fine.
- Anyone charged with patronizing a prostitute in a public venue, which does include hotels/motels in Minnesota, can be sentenced with a fine of up to $1,500.
- Each time a person is caught engaging in prostitution, or attempting to engage in prostitution, more than once shall pay up to a $1,500 fine and must spend 20 hours of community service.
Further penalties include a notation for your crime on your driving record if discovered in your vehicle with a prostitute. In many cases, though, community service may be done instead of intense fines. A well-practiced and aggressive lawyer standing by your side can either get you a great deal or increase your chances of walking free entirely.
Possible Solicitation and Prostitution Defenses
One possible defense you can make is that the act was legal because there was no plan for a transaction of money. The sex was a consensual act between two adults and not an act of prostitution.
Another defense was that you were simply approached by a prostitute and that you were in the process of saying no when you were apprehended or observed by the authorities. There are more defenses that will depend on the details of your case. Give Judith Samson a call, she can help!
Trust In Judith Samson Criminal Defense To Guide You Through
Minneapolis criminal lawyer Judith Samson has the knowledge and experience to guide you through this tough time. Contact our team for an initial consultation at 612-333-8001. Such a charge can follow you for the rest of your days and affect your entire future. Our job is to stop that from happening. We’re here for you, 24/7.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
