Tampa Solicitation of Prostitution Attorney
Being arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution in Florida can have serious and lasting consequences, even though the offense is often charged as a misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to jail time, probation, a permanent criminal record, and a mandatory $5,000 civil penalty under Florida law. In addition, solicitation offenses are “enhance-able,” meaning repeat allegations can result in significantly harsher penalties and increased exposure to incarceration. If you have been arrested or investigated for solicitation, it is critical to speak with an experienced Tampa solicitation of prostitution attorney as soon as possible. At Hunt Law, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and work aggressively to protect your reputation, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome. Contact an experienced Tampa solicitation of prostitution attorney today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense immediately.
What is Soliciting Another To Commit Prostitution in Florida?
It is unlawful to solicit, induce, entice, or procure another to commit prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.
"Assignation" means the making of any appointment or engagement for prostitution or lewdness, or any act in furtherance of such appointment or engagement.
"Lewdness" means any indecent or obscene act.
"Prostitution" means the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses.
"Sexual Activity" means oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object; or the handling or fondling of the sexual organ of another for the purpose of masturbation; however the term does not include acts done for bona fide medical purposes.
Potential Jail or Prison Time
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Soliciting Another To Commit Prostitution is a 1st degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail.
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A second conviction is a 3rd degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison.
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A third or subsequent conviction is a 2nd degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison.
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A conviction for Soliciting Another To Commit Prostitution can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
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A second conviction can result in a fine of up to $5,000.
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A third or subsequent conviction can result in a fine of up to $10,000.
Why Hiring a Tampa Solicitation of Prostitution Attorney Is Critical
If you have been arrested or charged with solicitation of prostitution in Florida, it is essential to speak with an experienced Tampa solicitation of prostitution attorney as soon as possible. Although many people assume these offenses are “minor” misdemeanor charges, a conviction can carry serious and lasting consequences that affect your freedom, finances, reputation, and future employment opportunities.
Under Florida Statute § 796.07, prosecutors aggressively pursue solicitation-related offenses, including allegations involving offering, agreeing to, or attempting to engage in sexual activity for compensation. In many Tampa-area cases, arrests stem from undercover sting operations involving online advertisements, text messages, recorded phone calls, or hotel meetups. Even if no sexual activity occurred and no money exchanged hands, prosecutors may still file criminal charges.
An experienced Tampa solicitation of prostitution attorney can immediately begin analyzing the evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protecting your constitutional rights. Depending on the circumstances, defenses may include lack of intent, entrapment, insufficient evidence, unlawful police conduct, or miscommunication during undercover operations.
The penalties for solicitation offenses in Florida can be severe. A first offense may result in up to one year in jail, probation, fines, mandatory community service, attendance at educational programs, and a mandatory $5,000 civil penalty. Repeat offenses can quickly escalate into felony charges carrying mandatory jail or prison time. In addition, these cases often create damaging collateral consequences involving professional licenses, employment opportunities, immigration status, and personal reputation.
Hiring a local Tampa solicitation of prostitution attorney gives you the advantage of working with someone familiar with Hillsborough County courts, local prosecutors, and available diversion or pretrial intervention options. Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense lawyer can sometimes result in reduced charges, negotiated resolutions, or even dismissal of the case before it progresses further.
At Hunt Law, we understand the sensitive and highly personal nature of solicitation allegations. We work aggressively to protect your rights, challenge the State’s evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. If you have been arrested or investigated for solicitation of prostitution, contact an experienced Tampa solicitation of prostitution attorney today for a confidential consultation.
What Are The Elements Of Soliciting Prostitution?
To prove the crime of Soliciting for [Prostitution] [Lewdness] [Assignation], the State must prove the following element beyond a reasonable doubt:
(Defendant) [solicited] [induced] [enticed] [procured] another to commit [prostitution] [lewdness] [assignation].
§ 796.07(1), Fla. Stat.
“Prostitution” is the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses.
“Lewdness” is any indecent or obscene act. “Indecent” means wicked, lustful, unchaste, licentious, or sensual intention on the part of the person doing the act.
“Assignation” means the making of any appointment or engagement for prostitution or lewdness, or any act in furtherance of such appointment or engagement.
“Sexual activity” means oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object; or the handling or fondling of the sexual organ of another for the purpose of masturbation[; however, the term does not include acts done for bona fide medical purposes. “Bona fide” means genuine].
“Female genitals” includes the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, vulva, hymen, and vagina.
Phillips v. State, 238 So. 3d 308 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018).
“Union” means contact.
Give if applicable.
Lakey v. State, 113 So. 3d 90 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013).
The definition of “an object” includes a finger.
§ 777.04(2), Fla. Stat.
To “solicit” means to command, encourage, hire, or request another person to engage in specific conduct.
To “procure” means to persuade, induce, prevail upon or cause a person to do something.
Call Now For A Free Consultation
If you've been charged with Soliciting Another To Commit Prostitution, it's important to act quickly. A conviction can carry serious consequences, including jail time, probation, a $5,000 civil penalty, fines and a permanent criminal record. You don't have to face the legal system alone. Call today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards putting this charge behind you.
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