The state takes prostitution crimes seriously, both selling and purchasing sex. Any person convicted under the state’s pandering statute faces jail time and stiff fines. On top of this, a person will have a criminal record, and their reputation in the community may suffer.

A Hartford solicitation lawyer works to defend people accused of buying sexual services and preserve their rights. At Ruane Attorneys, our team can help you avoid serious criminal penalties and work to protect your reputation against these allegations.

The Definition of Sexual Solicitation in Hartford

There is no crime defined as solicitation under Connecticut law. Instead, the state defines the act of paying another person for sex as patronizing under Connecticut General Statute § 53a-83. This exchange does not have to actually take place, and a person may be arrested on accusations that they have attempted or planned to make the deal. An attempted act of solicitation carries the same punishments as a completed act.

Furthermore, the proposed exchange does not need to expressly demand sexual intercourse in exchange for money. Offering to provide anything of value for any sexual contact is just as illegal under the state’s patronizing laws. A Hartford solicitation attorney could provide more information about the state’s laws and work to gather the evidence needed to defeat the prosecutor’s case.

Penalties of a Solicitation Conviction

A conviction for even the most minor form of solicitation is a class A misdemeanor. This may bring a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,000.00.

The penalties are much harsher if the person solicited is under 18 years old. These convictions are considered felonies according to CT Gen. Stat. § 53a-83b. This is punished by a minimum prison term of at least one year and may be increased to a maximum of 20 years. If the solicited person is under the age of 15, the minimum term is raised to 10 years with a maximum sentence of 25.

A conviction for solicitation of any sort will create a criminal record, which can affect a person’s reputation, career and housing opportunities, and education. Incidents involving minors may also require a person to register as a sex offender upon completion of their sentence. A Hartford lawyer could help a defendant understand the consequences of a solicitation conviction and work to mitigate the potential penalties.

Speak with a Hartford Solicitation Attorney Today to Defend your Rights

Facing an allegation of any crime is a serious matter that requires proactive legal representation. However, the consequences of a conviction for solicitation can have an outsized impact on your freedom, prospects, and reputation. Not only are you looking at significant jail time and stiff fines, but you could also face a criminal record that continues to affect you long after your case concludes.

A Hartford solicitation lawyer understands the difficulty and sensitivity of these types of cases. At Ruane Attorneys, we work with clients to defend them in the courtroom and the public eye. From the very first hearing in a solicitation case, we are prepared to offer the representation you need to achieve a positive outcome. Do not take any unnecessary risks by trying to handle things on your own. Contact us today to set up a consultation about your case.