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If you’ve been charged with solicitation in Phoenix, Arizona, the impact might be more troubling than you realize. Arizona law treats these offenses seriously, threatening your reputation and many aspects of your future.
Orent Law Offices stands ready to assist defendants against solicitation charges. When you are facing such a serious accusation, you need a legal team that understands the nuances of Arizona’s solicitation laws and possesses the experience to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
We are committed to providing a robust defense and exploring every avenue to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Reach out to us today at (480) 656-7301 to schedule a no-cost consultation with a dedicated Phoenix solicitation lawyer.
Facing a solicitation charge in Phoenix, AZ, isn’t something to take lightly. When this happens, you need experienced legal help from a Phoenix sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible.
Clients choose Orent Law Offices for several reasons:
We know that every case and every client in Arizona is unique. That’s why we never try to use a one-size-fits-all defense. We can review your case and explain your legal rights and criminal defense options.
Call our team today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.
In Arizona, the crime of solicitation is defined broadly under A.R.S. § 13-1002 as asking, persuading, encouraging, or directing another person to commit a crime, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, with the purpose of getting the other person to actually follow through.
While the general solicitation law covers a wide range of crimes, it is frequently applied in cases involving prostitution. Specifically, a person can be charged with solicitation when they attempt to induce another person to engage in sexual conduct for a fee.
The law does not require that the underlying crime (prostitution) actually be committed; simply having the intent to get the other person to commit the act is enough to satisfy the statute. Arizona law also contains the separate crime of prostitution (A.R.S. § 13-3211), and a person who solicits sex for money can often be charged under both statutes.
In addition to state law, the city of Phoenix also enforces its own local ordinance regarding solicitation and prostitution. Phoenix City Code Section 23-11 specifically addresses prostitution, including the act of soliciting.
Under this local ordinance, it is unlawful for a person to solicit, offer to commit, or commit an act of prostitution. This municipal law allows Phoenix police to charge individuals under the city code, which is often used in conjunction with or instead of the state-level charges. Because this is a municipal violation, penalties and court procedures will differ from those handled in state courts.
A Phoenix solicitation attorney from our office can assist you with navigating these specific local charges, ensuring you understand the potential penalties and your legal options.
In Phoenix, Arizona, the penalties for a conviction of soliciting a prostitute depend on whether it is a first or subsequent offense. The crime of soliciting an act of prostitution is generally classified as a Class 1 Misdemeanor under Arizona law.
Penalties can include:
If the offense is a second or subsequent conviction for soliciting prostitution, the penalties will be more severe. A second or subsequent conviction can result in a longer mandatory minimum jail sentence.
The consequences of a solicitation conviction can be serious, including a permanent criminal record and other collateral effects, making it important to speak with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney immediately if you have been charged.
Defending against a charge of solicitation, particularly soliciting a prostitute, often involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence regarding intent, identification, or legality of the police procedure.
While the specific strategy depends entirely on the facts of your case, common defense arguments a Phoenix sex crimes attorney might explore include the following.
Solicitation charges require proof that you intended to have someone else commit a specific crime (e.g., prostitution). If you only made a vague comment or there’s nothing to show you wanted the crime to actually happen, your attorney may challenge the claim that true intent ever existed.
The law demands that you clearly command, request, or encourage someone to break the law. Ambiguous statements, casual remarks, or vague suggestions may not be enough as evidence to prove the “solicitation” element.
Without solid evidence, like recordings or witnesses who are willing to testify, the state may not be able to prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
In cases involving police stings or undercover operations, a defense may argue that the defendant was misidentified or was simply present in the area but not the individual who committed the act of solicitation.
This is a complex defense where the defendant argues that law enforcement induced or persuaded an otherwise innocent person to commit a crime they were not predisposed to commit. If an undercover officer went beyond merely offering an opportunity and essentially forced the crime, an entrapment defense might apply.
Evidence obtained through illegal searches, seizures, or unlawful questioning (e.g., failure to read Miranda rights) may be suppressed. If critical evidence is suppressed, the prosecution may not have enough left to proceed.
Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney dramatically improves your chances when facing a solicitation charge. Orent Law Offices can review all the facts of your case to help you build a strong defense. We can also protect you during all conversations with police officers. The earlier you call, the sooner we can ensure you don’t say anything that will harm your case.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix solicitation attorney.
