Virginia Solicitation Lawyer

While many people believe that solicitation of prostitution is a victimless crime, solicitation of prostitution in Virginia is against the law and carries serious legal consequences. Beyond the legal consequences, a charge of solicitation in has serious implications for the personal and professional lives of those charged such as public shame and ridicule, marital discord, and even job termination.

If you have been charged with solicitation of prostitution, our skilled lawyers will review your case carefully and defend your rights vigorously. In addition to mitigating any legal ramifications, our Virginia solicitation lawyer understands the embarrassment associated with being criminally charged, especially for a sex crime. Given the damage that such a charge can have on your reputation, our attorneys consider it equally important to protect your privacy in the process of defending your good name.

Understanding the Charge of Solicitation in Virginia

For a solicitation charge, no sexual contact needs to occur. To be found guilty of solicitation for prostitution in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove 3 elements: 1) that there was an offer of money or value 2) for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act which means there must be intent that the sex act should be performed, and 3) there must be a substantial act in furtherance of the offer. Law enforcement agents may place false advertisements for escorts or massage therapists online or in classified ads. Responding to such solicitation could land an otherwise innocent person behind bars and facing charges of solicitation.

Solicitation for prostitution is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. The authorized punishments for conviction of Class 1 misdemeanors are confinement in jail for up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both. Given the seriousness of these consequences, those arrested for Virginia solicitation and those who suspect they may be under investigation for solicitation should immediately contact a skilled Virginia solicitation lawyer to begin crafting a successful defense strategy.

How A Virginia Solicitation Lawyer Can Help

There are several options when it comes to fighting your charge of solicitation. Arrests for solicitation for prostitution in Virginia are often made during police sting operations with undercover officers posing as prostitutes. Thus, one common defense in police sting arrests is police entrapment. Entrapment may have occurred if the solicitation was the result of an officer's inducement, rather than your intention to commit a crime. An arrest resulting from entrapment is illegal. Our attorneys can evaluate the exact methods used by law enforcement in a sting operation to ensure you were not entrapped.

Please call for a free consultation with one of our solicitation lawyers in Virginia.