It is illegal to engage in any type of solicitation or prostitution in Ohio. If charged with this sex crime, you could face fines, jail time, community service, HIV/AIDS testing, and other penalties. It is crucial that you retain legal counsel from a Columbus solicitation for prostitution lawyer who can protect your reputation during this time!
Ohio laws prohibit the following acts of solicitation:
This means that you could be charged with a sex crime for simply discussing the possibility with a prostitute. You don't have to actually engage in the act to be accused of a crime. If you face solicitation charges, you should speak with an attorney right away for information about protecting your rights. Our legal team at The Meranda Law Firm LTD can discuss your case and your legal options.
Call (614) 707-4239 to get started with a free initial consultation!
With the widespread use of computers, online sexual solicitation charges are increasing at a rapid rate. It is a serious felony to solicit sex on the internet, especially when the offense involves minors. Solicitation of a minor for sexual purposes is also known as "importuning" and can often occur in an online chatroom or over social media. Because of the nature of online interaction, this charge is not always a clear-cut matter.
In many cases, an individual may not realize that they are talking with a minor or have been lied to regarding the minor's age. This can create a very tricky situation, making matters even more complex for the defendant. Simply requesting a meeting or attempting to meet with a minor may lead to charges. The key in these cases is the intent of the defendant and their disposition to commit a sex crime.
Most online perpetrators are caught soliciting in sting operations where law enforcement personnel pose as minors to lure in suspects. Even if the defendant believed the individual was an adult, they could still face charges, as it is illegal to solicit sex on the internet. If the accused individual is convicted, penalties can include incarceration, fines, sex offender registration, license suspension, and other repercussions.
Many sting operations take place in the common locations for prostitution activities. The idea is to catch the offenders after the money exchange occurs. In this case, both the prostitute and the client are violating the law. Prosecution usually pursues these cases aggressively. In an eagerness to arrest suspects, law enforcement can make mistakes. A common defense in sting operations is entrapment.
To be considered entrapment, two factors must be involved:
In light of these laws, simply providing the opportunity for or baiting an individual to commit solicitation is not entrapment and may still validate their charges. Overall, prostitution, pandering, and solicitation are serious sex crimes that can affect an individual for the rest of their lives. At our firm, our Columbus solicitation for prostitution attorneys are discreet, effective, and prepared to take immediate action on your behalf.
Call The Meranda Law Firm LTD today. We understand how prosecutors build their solicitation cases and know how to defend against such serious charges!