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Soliciting sex (or prostitution) is a crime in Arizona. If you have been arrested or charged with this offense in Phoenix, do not answer any questions other than your name and basic biographical information, or volunteer any information to the police. Instead, call AZ Defenders for the dedicated Phoenix sex solicitation defense lawyer you will need to protect your rights.
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Why Choose AZ Defenders?
What is Sex Solicitation?
Arizona Sex Solicitation Laws
Role of Intent in Sex Solicitation Charges
What Are the Penalties for Soliciting Sex in Arizona?
Penalties for Soliciting a Minor
How Will An Attorney Help With Your Case?
Possible Defenses to Solicitation Charges
Arizona’s Criminal Statute of Limitations
How Entrapment Factors Into Criminal Cases
Cost of a Phoenix Sex Solicitation Attorney
What to Do After Being Arrested in Arizona
Call an Attorney Today
Sex solicitation is another term for soliciting prostitution – or requesting another person to perform a sexual act in exchange for a fee or something of value. For this offense to be committed in Arizona, it is not necessary to have completed a sexual act in exchange for a fee – merely offering or agreeing to do so is sufficient. Both parties to the agreement, both the person performing a sexual service and the person offering something of value in exchange, can be charged with a crime.
Prostitution in Arizona means engaging in or offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with any person under a fee arrangement for money or any valuable consideration. The law, which applies equally to prostitutes and clients, covers the act of hiring someone or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct for compensation. If you are facing charges of sex solicitation or have further questions about what constitutes sex solicitation, speak with an experienced criminal lawyer in Phoenix.
Prostitution and sex soliciting do not fall under the category of sex crimes in Arizona, for which a felony conviction can carry heavy penalties, including prison time and registration as a sex offender. However, they are still crimes under state law and city ordinances. Prostitution as a criminal category is covered under Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 13, Chapter 32 and the City of Phoenix Municipal Code Section 23-52.
To be convicted for sex solicitation, the prosecution must show that you had “intent” to engage the services of a sex worker. Overt acts may demonstrate this intent, such as offering to pay someone for sexual services or handing them money. Typically, the person alleged to have committed solicitation initiates the conversation about the exchange of sexual services for something of value or a case of entrapment may apply. However, the City of Phoenix Municipal Code Section 23-52.even considers such actions as stopping or trying to stop passersby by waving and trying to determine if someone is a prostitute or police officer while in a public place or motor vehicle. An experienced criminal defense lawyer from our firm can discuss intent and how it may impact your case during a private consultation.
A person convicted of soliciting prostitution in Phoenix is guilty of a class one misdemeanor. Penalties increase with each prior conviction as follows:
A conviction for solicitation of a minor under the age of 18 for sex can result in a felony child sex trafficking charge, which involves mandatory prison and sex offender registration. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can discuss the potential penalties that may apply based on the particular circumstances surrounding your case.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will play a pivotal role in your case. He or she can:
Contact the Phoenix sex solicitation defense lawyers with AZ Defenders to learn more about how we can help.
Possible defenses to solicitation charges will depend on the particular circumstances surrounding your case. Possible defenses might include:
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, evaluate the evidence, make legal challenges, and represent you aggressively in and out of court.
Arizona has various deadlines that apply to criminal cases, known as “statutes of limitations.” Typically, there is a specific statute of limitations for each offense. When there is not a specific statute of limitations, the general time limits are:
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can explain the specific time limit that applies to your case.
Yes, entrapment can play a role in a solicitation case. Entrapment occurs when a law enforcement officer induces a person to commit a crime. For example, some law enforcement workers pretend to be minors and talk to adults over the internet and try to get them to agree to meet up to arrest them. Or, an attractive person may sit at a bar and engage in conversation with a patron in the hopes of inducing them to pay for sex acts. While these undercover stings may initially be legal, they may become entrapment when the law enforcement officer induces the other person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have.
To prove entrapment, you must show all of the following:
A seasoned criminal defense lawyer understands the complexities of an entrapment defense and what you must prove to raise a viable defense. Contact AZ Defenders for a confidential consultation with an experienced Phoenix sex solicitation defense lawyer who can explain whether entrapment is a valid defense in your case.
Most criminal defense attorneys in Arizona charge a flat fee or hourly fee. A flat fee means that you will pay a certain amount of money for the lawyer’s services, regardless of how much time they put into your case. An hourly fee means that you will pay a certain amount of money per each hour of time your lawyer puts into your case. For example, if your lawyer charges $200/hour and works for ten hours on your case, you would owe them $2,000. Hourly fees are more common in criminal defense cases because these cases are much more variable than other types of cases where flat fees are more common, such as in contracts or estate planning.
At AZ Defenders, we understand that you may be concerned about the cost of hiring our defense lawyers. We do our best to offer transparent and affordable fees. Each case is different, and it will require a careful analysis for us to determine the appropriate amount to charge for your case. Factors that can affect the rate include the specific facts involved and the level of complexity. For example, if your case involves complex legal issues or may take significant time to negotiate, the charge would likely be higher than if you have a relatively straightforward case. However, we will always let you know ahead of time what the price of our services will be. You will also receive a written retainer agreement that clearly states this information.
If you are unable to afford our services, please be aware that the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to counsel as a criminal defendant. If you cannot afford an attorney, one can be appointed to you for free. This is done through the Arizona Public Defender’s Office. The court determines your ability to afford an attorney based on your income and assets. Public defenders are often handling many cases at one time and may have limited budgets, whereas a private attorney generally has more time and resources to use for your defense.
If you are arrested, it is important that you do not resist because doing so can result in additional charges and/or put you in danger. You do not want to have to face multiple charges if you can avoid it. Also, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so we can get started on your case as soon as possible and take immediate steps to help defend your rights.
It is also important that you know you have certain legal rights upon arrest. However, it is your responsibility to protect those rights. Knowing these rights and how you can protect them can help you better navigate the criminal justice system and work more effectively with your skilled Arizona criminal defense lawyer.
One of the most important rights you have is to remain silent. You are under no legal obligation to answer law enforcement’s questions beyond providing your identity. It is not uncommon for law enforcement officers to engage suspects in conversation in hopes that they will say something that can be used against them. Keep in mind that law enforcement officers are not trying to find you innocent and will not give you the benefit of the doubt. They are just hoping that you’ll say something that will make their jobs easier. It is a lot easier for a prosecutor to secure a conviction when the defendant admits to doing it. To protect your legal rights and to limit the disclosure of information that could be used against you, assert your right to remain silent. If you are arrested, state clearly and unequivocally “I want a lawyer” and do not say anything else until you can talk confidentially with your lawyer.
Another important right is to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, you have a right against unreasonable searches and seizures. This right generally requires that law enforcement first have a valid warrant before they can conduct a search or seize your property. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. One exception is consent. Law enforcement officers will often ask if they can search your person or vehicle. You do not have to give consent and doing so may waive your rights related to the search, such as being able to have evidence excluded from consideration during your case. Another exception is conducting an inventory search of your vehicle when it is impounded. If possible, you might be able to ask someone to take care of your vehicle if you are being arrested after being pulled over.
During or near the time of your arrest, law enforcement should state that you have a right to a lawyer and one will be appointed to you if you cannot afford one. After law enforcement says this to you, you can invoke your right to legal representation. Then, law enforcement will not be able to question you without an attorney present.
Although sex soliciting in Arizona is not classified in the more serious sex crime category with potential prison sentences and sex offender registration, you still do not want a conviction on your record. Call or email our Phoenix sex solicitation defense attorney as soon as possible for the dedicated criminal defense you need. Our experienced Phoenix lawyers are well-versed in all possible defenses to prostitution and sex soliciting.