South Florida is a vacationer’s paradise. Beaches, clubs, nightlife abound. Our resort area hotels draw many successful businessmen from around the country and the world. Imagine this scenario: Alcohol flows after hours. Your judgment gets a little impaired. An attractive woman starts flirting with you. In the course of it she makes you an offer. You flirt back, maybe say something you don’t really mean or intend… next thing you know you’re being arrested for solicitation of prostitution.
Unfortunately, law enforcement targets “known” areas for prostitution sting operations.
While it is laudable that law enforcement is aggressive in enforcing Florida prostitution and solicitation laws, could you have been a victim of entrapment? Entrapment is the act of inducing a citizen to commit a crime he or she ordinarily wouldn’t have considered. Usually some form of pressure or coercion is used. Or maybe you acted on your own bad judgment. Should you pay the rest of your life by having a permanent criminal record? For a conviction of prostitution or solicitation in Florida, punishments can include jail time, fines, community service, counseling, etc. Sometimes, an automatic license revocation may occur. First time offenders face up to a maximum $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Second time offenders face up to a minimum of $1000 fine and one year in jail for a solicitation or assignation of prostitution charge. Some first offenders may be eligible for a diversion program wherein the charges will be dropped against you if you successfully complete the program.
So if you are charged with Solicitation, call us for a discreet consultation.