Florida’s Solicitation for Prostitution Penalties Explained
Whether you engaged a prostitute on the street, requested a “happy ending” at a massage parlor, or solicited a call girl online, you could be facing harsh penalties. Not only do law enforcement officers conduct regular sting operations but lawmakers will rarely show leniency to those caught violating the law.
However, a conviction isn’t avoidable as you will have a chance to fight the charges. In this article, we explore common punishments for soliciting a prostitute and discuss how an attorney might be able to help you build a strong defense:
What Is the Definition of Solicitation for Prostitution?
The state’s laws define solicitation as enticing, inducing, soliciting, or procuring another person to engage in sex acts. It’s important to note that the person being solicited doesn’t necessarily need to be a sex worker for you to be charged.
What Are the Criminal and Civil Penalties?
Penalties for this offense will usually vary depending on whether it’s your first or second offense. Typically, the punishments for a first offense include up to a year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and additional penalties such as mandatory educational classes, probation, and community service.
These penalties can increase dramatically if you have a prior offense on your record. For instance, a second offense is usually classed as a third-degree felony, and you could spend up to five years behind bars, be ordered to pay fines of up to $5,000, and your vehicle may even be impounded for two months after sentencing proceedings conclude.
Serial offenders—i.e., those who have been convicted more than two times for the same offense—might have to spend up to 15 years in jail and pay fines of up to $10,000. In such situations, not only will your vehicle be impounded, but you could also be made to attend mandatory prostitution and human trafficking classes, submit to regular STD screenings, and perform up to 100 hours of community service.
In addition to these strict penalties, you will almost always be made to pay a $5,000 civil fine. This punishment is the same regardless of whether it’s your first, fourth, or tenth offense.
Thankfully, you will have a chance to contest the prosecution’s case to have your penalties reduced. In some cases, particularly if you have strong evidence that the arresting officers made mistakes, entrapped you, or went against protocol, you may even be able to have the charges dropped. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help by investigating the arrest and gathering the necessary evidence to help you prepare a strong defense.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Port St. Lucie Today
If you were arrested and charged with solicitation for prostitution, it may be wise to speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Todd A. Kawecki is ready to help.
With experience working as a prosecutor, Todd possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to provide reliable guidance, aggressive representation, and round-the-clock support throughout proceedings. He can fight tirelessly to help you secure a favorable outcome. Dial 772-485-4500 or jump to our contact page HERE to lock in a free case assessment with a Florida solicitation for prostitution lawyer