Posted on May 9, 2023 in Sex Crimes
Each year, thousands of people are arrested for soliciting or engaging in prostitution or for aiding and abetting prostitution. It is important to have a thorough comprehension of the intricate laws governing prostitution in case you find yourself in this situation. If you or someone you care about has been accused of prostitution-related crimes, get help from a criminal defense lawyer.
One of the most common prostitution-related charges in Phoenix is soliciting prostitution. The act of soliciting refers to the process of approaching or offering to engage in any sexual activity with a person in exchange for money or compensation.
Law enforcement agencies across the US deploy several resources to combat prostitution, including sting operations. These operations often target street-level prostitution, and police officers often pose as customers or prostitutes in areas known to be hubs for prostitution.
Sting operations allow police to arrest both individuals engaging in the act of prostitution and those who solicit or patronize them.
But what about when this takes place online?
Online prostitution is also becoming prevalent in the US, and as such, law enforcement agencies are increasingly conducting online sting operations.
Prostitution stings usually involve law enforcement officers posing as either prostitutes or clients seeking their services. Advertisements are often placed on websites like Backpage.com or Craigslist.org as a means of attracting potential clients.
When someone contacts the advertiser and agrees to exchange sex for money, they are usually directed to a specific location where law enforcement will arrest them.
One of the essential elements of a solicitation charge is proving intent. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can use this defense to argue that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there was intent.
Another defense in solicitation of prostitution cases is arguing that you were not offering money for sex because you lacked the funds to pay. This can be used if you were arrested without money or anything of value on your person.
There are several other issues that may arise when it comes to solicitation of prostitution cases that your attorney can use to fight your case, including:
In many solicitation of prostitution cases, audio recordings may be used as evidence against you. However, it is important to ensure that the chain of custody for any audio recordings is properly established. It must also be shown that the recordings were not tampered with or altered in any way.
Police misconduct is a serious issue that can arise in any criminal case, including solicitation of prostitution cases. If law enforcement officials acted improperly during your arrest or investigation, this could be used in your defense.
For example, if the police used excessive force during your arrest or failed to inform you of your rights, this could be a violation of your constitutional rights. Your criminal defense lawyer should be able to closely examine all actions taken by the police in your case to determine if any misconduct occurred.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for false statements to be included in police reports in solicitation of prostitution cases.
Your criminal defense lawyer will be able to closely examine any reports or statements made by police officers to ensure they are accurate and truthful. If any false statements were made, this could be a defense in your case.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for solicitation of prostitution, it’s important to know your rights and seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney.
For more information, contact the Sex Crime attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
