The punishment under state law is generally the same for prostitution as it is for solicitation of prostitution, and both of these acts are made illegal under Florida Statutes §796.07 (2012) "Prohibiting prostitution and related acts." If you have been arrested for soliciting, inducing, enticing or procuring another person to commit prostitution, you can be convicted of a crime, forced to pay fines and imprisoned. To make matters worse, you would end up with a criminal record which can make it difficult to find suitable housing or employment, and face a future of living with a major social stigma.
If this is the first time you have been arrested for solicitation, you can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries penalties including a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. A second violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree, with a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail, while any further repeat offenses are charged as a third degree felony, punishable by $5,000 in fines and up to five years in prison. In addition to these penalties, the court will assess a civil penalty of $5,000 if the case results in anything but an acquittal or a dismissal of the charges. If you have been charged with solicitation of minor, you can be fined up to $10,000 and sent to prison for as long as 15 years.
An arrest for solicitation of prostitution can have a devastating impact on your social and professional reputation, regardless of whether you are convicted. It is vital that you hire a West Palm Beach solicitation attorney as early as possible to help you limit the damage to your reputation and career and fight to prevent you from being subjected to the harsh criminal penalties you face. Contact us now at the Law Offices of Richard Tendler for a confidential consultation to discuss the circumstances of the arrest and learn about strategies we may be able to use in your defense.
