Being charged with a criminal offense can have lasting effects. A solicitation charge can carry penalties, such as imprisonment, fines, and listing your name on the sex offender registry. A tenacious Mankato solicitation lawyer can guide you through the criminal justice process after charges have been filed.

If you have been charged with solicitation, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. Our award-winning team can help protect your rights.

What Is Solicitation?

Solicitation is when someone intentionally solicits or induces an individual to participate in prostitution or promotes the prostitution of another. Solicitation can also refer to when someone knowingly receives a payment that was obtained through prostitution or its promotion. Additionally, solicitation may involve sex trafficking.

Solicitation is similar to prostitution in that it involves exchanging sex for money. Simply asking for a sexual act in exchange for money is enough for someone to be charged with solicitation, even if the actual act did not occur.

A dedicated Mankato attorney can explain the different types of solicitation offenses and help you understand your charge.

Penalties for Solicitation

Someone charged with solicitation may face up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $40,000, or both.

The penalties for solicitation involving someone under the age of 18 are more severe. If the person being solicited is under 18, a convicted person may face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.

Aggravating factors can also increase the severity of a solicitation charge involving a minor. These factors may include:

  • Multiple sex trafficking victims
  • A prior human trafficking-related offense
  • The alleged victim sustained bodily harm
  • The alleged victim was held for more than 180 days

If any of these factors apply, the punishment may include imprisonment for up to 30 years, a fine of up to $60,000, or both. If a person is convicted of solicitation, they may also be required to register on the sex offender registry.

A solicitation lawyer in Mankato can help you understand the potential penalties of a conviction and work to reduce the severity of your charge.

Common Defense Strategies

If you are being charged with solicitation in Mankato, it is important to consult a dedicated lawyer to review your case. When examining the evidence, they can explore possible defenses and determine the best strategy for your specific case. One common defense to a solicitation charge is demonstrating a lack of intent, meaning that the person did not intend to commit solicitation.

A defense attorney may also argue that there is a lack of evidence or that law enforcement entrapped the defendant, coercing them into committing solicitation they otherwise would not have committed. Another possible defense is arguing mistaken identity, claiming that they are not the person responsible for the crime. It is essential to work with meticulous legal counsel who can thoroughly evaluate the evidence and determine the best possible defense.

Talk With a Mankato Solicitation Attorney Today

Being charged with any type of criminal offense can be daunting. A conviction for solicitation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as hefty fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. It can also significantly impact your life, straining your relationships and damaging your reputation. It is crucial to seek the assistance of a skilled Mankato solicitation lawyer to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

The attorneys at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. have over 50 years of experience in criminal law. We are here to guide you through the legal process and offer you advice on what to expect during criminal proceedings. Our team can evaluate all possible scenarios, helping you prepare for the future regardless of the outcome of your case. For more information, get in touch with our office today.