If you have been charged with solicitation of prostitution in Florida, then you may have a defense. Showing that you were engaging in consensual sex is a defense that is oftentimes successful when fighting solicitation cases. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about how to beat your solicitation case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
Solicitation of prostitution in Florida is defined under Florida Statute 796.07(2)(f). A person commits the crime of solicitation of prostitution when they solicit, induce, entice, or procure another person to engage in prostitution, lewdness or assignation.
Solicitation of prostitution is a first-degree misdemeanor, meaning you can be sentenced to up to one year in jail, or up to one year probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 1 year), the first time someone is convicted.
Solicitation of prostitution is a third-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison, or up to 5 years on probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail or prison sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 5 years), the second time someone is convicted.
Solicitation of prostitution is a second-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, or up to 15 years on probation and up to $10,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail or prison sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 15 years), the third time someone is convicted.
Everyone convicted of solicitation must complete 100 community service hours, submit to an STD test and complete 100 hours of community service. There is also a mandatory $5,000(?) fine.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for sex offenses, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with solicitation of prostitution in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.