Minneapolis Solicitation Lawyer

Minnesota state law not only criminalizes the act of providing or advertising sexual services of any kind in exchange for compensation, but it also prohibits state residents from knowingly “soliciting” sexual services from someone in exchange for compensation. Whether you gave money to a sex worker or simply offered to do so, you may be prosecuted for a misdemeanor criminal offense. Alternatively, if the person you solicited was underage, you may face felony charges, potentially carrying decades of prison time upon conviction.

When you are accused of solicitation, you have a right to retain a skilled criminal defense attorney and contest the charges against you. A Minneapolis solicitation lawyer could guide you through the legal process and effectively protect your rights to secure an outcome in your favor.

Understanding “Solicitation” as a Criminal Offense

Under Subdivision 2 of Minnesota Statutes § 609.324, individuals convicted for the first time of offering to hire, agreeing to hire, or actually hiring someone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value may face penalties commensurate with a gross misdemeanor offense. As per this section of state law, they may face a mandatory minimum fine of $1,500 up to a maximum of $3,000, as well as a maximum one-year jail term and potential confiscation of the motor vehicle they used to commit the offense.

Someone convicted more than once of patronizing a sex worker over the age of 18 within a ten-year period or someone who seeks sexual services from individuals they know or believe to be between 16 and 18 years old may have their charges upgraded to a felony. This carries a maximum five-year prison term and a $10,000 fine. As a well-versed solicitation attorney in Minneapolis could further explain, soliciting someone between 14 and 16 years of age could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $20,000 fine upon conviction. These penalties increase to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $40,000 fine if the person solicited for sexual services is under the age of 14.

Possible Defenses Against a Solicitation Charge

It is not uncommon for police officers in Minneapolis to conduct “sting operations” in which they pose as sex workers and arrest people who attempt to solicit those services. However, if individuals feel coerced into soliciting services that they otherwise would not have sought in such sting operations, that person may be able to contest a solicitation charge on the grounds of “entrapment.”

Likewise, someone cannot be convicted of solicitation if they did not actually offer any compensation to another person in exchange for sex and did not intend to solicit a prostitute, even if they did engage in sexual activity. A knowledgeable solicitation defense attorney in Minneapolis could explain these potential defense options in more detail.

Talk to a Minneapolis Solicitation Attorney About Your Legal Options

Solicitation accusations could impact your personal and professional reputation, along with the potential to result in serious criminal consequences, especially if the allegation involves a minor. However, it is essential to recognize that you have the right to defend yourself against such allegations. With the support of a seasoned legal professional, you could proactively fight back and work toward a favorable result.

A Minneapolis solicitation lawyer could review your circumstances with you and offer preliminary guidance about the next steps. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation.