A strong defense is necessary to protect your rights if you face solicitation charges. A conviction for solicitation might include incarceration, high fines, and a prostitution charge permanently on your criminal record.

A trusted criminal defense attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Get help from an experienced Irmo solicitation lawyer to help protect your constitutional rights.

Responding to Solicitation Charges

A solicitation charge is a one component of the state’s prostitution statute, codified at South Carolina Code § 16-15-90. There is no separate code section for soliciting, and instead, it is codified under the prostitution category of offenses.

Solicitation occurs when an individual seeks the company of prostitute in exchange for services, money, or other valuable exchange. A person can be charged with this offense if they request prostitution for themselves or another person. A charge can have extreme ramifications for a defendant’s future. Not only are there risks of criminal penalty, but a defendant faces the social stigma and loss of reputation associated with this charge.

An attempt to solicit prostitution, even if unsuccessful, is as much a violation as if it was successful. If the statute was violated, state law does not make a distinction between an attempt or completing the act. A skilled attorney in Irmo could help someone respond timely and completely to an accusation of hiring a prostitute.

Penalties for Soliciting in Irmo

The penalties for a solicitation charge vary depending on the number of prior related convictions in a defendant’s criminal record. An Irmo attorney focused on solicitation cases could help someone lower or eliminate the penalties for a charge against them.

First Conviction

If a defendant is convicted for solicitation the first time, they may face a fine of up to $200 and up to thirty days in jail.

Second Conviction

If a defendant is convicted for a second time, they may face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Third and Subsequent Convictions

If a defendant has a third or subsequent conviction, they face a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum fine of up to $3,000.

Employment Consequences of a Solicitation Conviction

In addition to the actual criminal penalties of a conviction, a defendant likely faces other consequences for this charge. As a type of sex crime, it carries significant stigma in most communities and jobs. Employers may choose not to hire a person with this offense on their record. Some employers may even use this offense as ground to fire an employee.

To potentially avoid this type of harm in Irmo, a defense attorney must put forth a strong rebuttal designed to alleviate the potential consequences of soliciting.

Connect with an Irmo Solicitation Attorney Today

A powerful criminal defense may reduce the charges against you or eliminate the potential harm it may cause. In these situations, you have the legal right to representation. Quality legal counsel may make all the difference in how your situation resolves. To fight for a successful case resolution, contact an experienced Irmo solicitation lawyer for help. Speak with us today to learn more.