Arranging to pay money or something of value in exchange for sex can lead to solicitation charges. Solicitation is usually a misdemeanor, but a conviction carries significant social consequences in addition to any criminal penalties.

A solicitation conviction might lead to a damaged reputation at work and in your community. A conviction could also limit your future professional opportunities. Working with an East Windsor solicitation lawyer could reduce the chances of a conviction and allow you to resolve the charges discreetly.

Contact Ruane Attorneys soon after your arrest. With help from a sex crimes attorney, you could defeat the charges or resolve them with minimal consequences.

Legal Prohibition on Solicitation in East Windsor

Connecticut General Statute §53a-83 criminalizes offering something of value for sex. Making the arrangement is a crime even if sexual contact never happens or the transaction is electronic and the parties never meet. The law also applies to paying a third party to have sex with someone else.

Additionally, solicitation charges do not need to involve sexual intercourse or penetration. The law prohibits offering money or something of value for any sexual conduct.

Soliciting prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction could lead to up to one year in jail, a $2,000 fine, and probation. The sentence someone receives upon conviction depends on their criminal history and the circumstances of the crime. An attorney at our firm can work to resolve a solicitation charge without a guilty plea or conviction. Legal counsel could also arrange a plea to a lesser charge or an agreement to participate in community service.

Solicitation of a Minor

Soliciting a minor for sexual contact is a severe crime with harsh potential penalties. Federal and state law enforcement agencies devote considerable resources to identifying and prosecuting adults who seek sexual contact with minors. Anyone in East Windsor accused of soliciting a minor should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Connecticut General Statute §53a-90a describes the crime of enticing a minor as using a computer or electronic communication to persuade a minor to engage in sexualized behavior. No sexual behavior needs to occur; the crime is communicating with a minor for sexual purposes.

A first offense is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Subsequent offenses are Class C or Class B felonies. However, if the subject of the communication was under 13, the crime is a Class B felony and carries a five-year minimum prison sentence, regardless of the defendant’s prior criminal history. Anyone convicted of soliciting a minor must register as a sex offender.

Effective Defenses to Soliciting Charges

Solicitation is a crime of intent. This means a defendant could argue they did not intend to exchange money for sex. For instance, an East Windsor attorney could assert that the defendant was joking or that the communication involved a misunderstanding on one or both sides.

Questioning police procedures is often another avenue for defense. If the arrest resulted from a sting operation in East Windsor, a solicitation lawyer could investigate whether law enforcement officers enticed the defendant into committing a crime. If so, legal counsel could raise an entrapment defense. If the arrest resulted from electronic surveillance of computer or cell phone activity, a judge might suppress evidence if law enforcement officers did not have the appropriate warrants.

Ruane Attorneys can discuss every legal option to resolve a misdemeanor solicitation charge. Prosecutors are often willing to accept pleas to lesser charges when the defendant has no significant criminal history. Community service or diversion programs could be appropriate in some cases.

Rely on an East Windsor Attorney to Defeat a Solicitation Charge

Facing a solicitation charge can be a frightening and stressful experience. You need a legal advocate to help you through the ordeal and protect your rights.

An East Windsor solicitation lawyer could work to get a favorable outcome in your case. Call Ruane Attorneys today to discuss your situation and learn your options.