Atlanta Solicitation Lawyer
In Georgia, the crime of solicitation covers the other side of a prostitution-related transaction. For instance, while someone could be convicted of prostitution for agreeing to engage in sexual activity in exchange for payment, the person who sought those services or offered something of value for those services could be charged with solicitation. Solicitation is usually charged as a misdemeanor, although in some cases, a charge could be enhanced to a felony, which means that defendants could face jail time, fines, and even registration as a sex offender, so if you have been accused of solicitation, you should consult with an experienced Atlanta solicitation lawyer about formulating a defense strategy.
Solicitation Charges in Georgia
Solicitation, or seeking sexual services for hire, is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Georgia, although the penalties that a person faces will depend on the specific facts of the case, including the nature of the act in question and the defendant’s prior criminal history. A person who has been convicted of this offense should, however, be prepared to pay hefty fines, complete a jail or prison sentence, comply with the terms of probation, attend sexual education classes, and perform community service. For instance, those who are convicted of soliciting someone who was underage for sexual services will face a term of imprisonment, enhanced fines, and potential registration as a sex offender.
Potential Solicitation Defenses
Although the defense strategy used by a defendant accused of solicitation will depend on the circumstances of the case, there are a few common defenses that tend to be utilized in these types of cases, including:
- Entrapment, which occurs when law enforcement officers influence a person into committing a crime by threatening or harassing that individual;
- Insufficient evidence, which can prove definitive in cases where the transaction in question is ambiguous;
- Mistake, which is often utilized in cases where a person was in an area where prostitution was common, but wasn’t actually engaging in solicitation; or
- Proving that the evidence presented by the prosecutor was the result of an illegal search or seizure.
For help determining whether any of these defenses could be used to help you avoid an unfair conviction, please call our office today.
Online Solicitation Charges
Under Georgia law, a person can even be charged with engaging in online solicitation, but only if that individual purposely used the internet or an electronic device to solicit or entice a child. Direct communication with a minor isn’t required for conviction, nor is there a requirement that a sexual act ever be performed. All that is necessary is that the accused believe that he or she was talking to an underage person with the purpose of enticing that individual to engage in a sexual act. Those who are convicted of this offense face serious penalties, including imprisonment and registration as a sex offender.
Set Up a Free Case Review Today
To learn more about Georgia’s solicitation laws or another state sex crime, please call the experienced defense legal team of Hawkins Spizman at 770-209-2310 today.
