You may not realize how serious a solicitation charge can be in Cincinnati, OH. In addition to the criminal charges, the embarrassment and stress of these accusations can make the situation so much more overwhelming for defendants.
Trying to deal with the situation on your own or working with a sex defense attorney who lacks experience with these offenses is likely to lead to more trouble.
Our team has been handling criminal matters like this for decades and can help you build the strongest case possible if you’re facing charges in Cincinnati, Ohio. Reach out to Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (513) 333-0014 to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati solicitation lawyer.
Why Hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested For Solicitation?
If you’re facing a solicitation charge, you need a defense team that’s not only compassionate but strategic. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. We know how local Cincinnati prosecutors and judges approach these charges, and we’ll use that insight to your advantage.
Benefits of working with our Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers include:
- Over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience
- Former police and prosecutors on our team and working directly on your case
- Honors from National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Super Lawyers
- Our 10.0 Avvo rating, showing how much clients respect us
Handling solicitation charges is something no one wants to deal with. Unfortunately, they happen. Let our team take the right steps to defend you. Call our Cincinnati solicitation attorney to schedule a free and confidential case consultation.
Overview of Solicitation in Ohio
In Ohio, solicitation means asking, offering, or agreeing to pay another person to engage in sexual activity for money or something else of value. You can be arrested for solicitation even if no sexual act ever takes place—simply discussing, proposing, or negotiating the exchange is enough for charges to be filed.
Additionally, this law covers trying to entice or solicit someone else to patronize a prostitute or brothel, procuring a prostitute for someone else, or even taking or directing a person to a place for the purpose of paid sexual activity. Ohio also makes it illegal for property owners or those in control of property to knowingly allow their premises to be used for sexual activity for hire.
What Are the Penalties For Solicitation in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Solicitation charges carry serious consequences in Cincinnati, with the penalties depending on the age of the person involved in the alleged transaction. You could face the following:
- General solicitation or procuring: In most cases, the charges are a first-degree misdemeanor, which can lead to a jail sentence of up to 180 days and fines of $1,000.
- Soliciting someone who is 16 or 17 years old: If you’re accused and convicted of soliciting someone who is 16 or 17, the penalties are harsher. It becomes a fifth-degree felony, carrying 6 to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. This applies even if the defendant didn’t know the person’s age if they recklessly failed to determine it.
- Soliciting or procuring anyone under the age of 16: Even more severe, this is charged as a fourth-degree felony, regardless of whether the defendant is aware of the person’s age. Penalties include up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Convictions for any form of solicitation can follow you for years, sometimes for life. They can result in a criminal record and other collateral and social consequences.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Solicitation?
If you’re arrested for solicitation, there are ways you can defend yourself. Some of the most common defenses your attorney may use include the following:
Insufficient Evidence
To win in court, the prosecutor must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you actually tried to arrange sex for money or something valuable. If they can’t provide direct proof, such as recordings, credible witness statements, or specific messages, it could lead to a not guilty verdict.
Honest Misunderstanding
Not every interaction or conversation amounts to a crime. Sometimes, people are falsely accused simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time or misinterpreted a conversation. You can argue that you never proposed a sexual act for payment or that you had no idea you were talking to someone offering sexual services.
Police Entrapment
During sting operations, law enforcement cannot trick, threaten, or actively pressure someone into committing a crime. If an undercover officer went too far, coaxing you or planting the idea when you were not otherwise inclined to commit this crime, you may be able to argue that the police set you up and that it amounted to entrapment.
There are often more defense strategies to consider, but these are some of the most common ones. If you have any questions, your lawyer can help you and explain which defense makes the most sense for your case.
Contact Our Cincinnati Solicitation Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The consequences of a solicitation conviction in Cincinnati last far beyond the resolution of your case. A conviction can follow you around for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s critical to take this charge seriously and partner with a defense attorney who understands Ohio law and is familiar with local court procedures.
Our team can evaluate all the evidence against you and work to find the best possible resolution to the case. Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation at (513) 333-0014 with a Cincinnati solicitation lawyer.
