Hopewell Solicitation Lawyer
While the word solicitation has many meanings, it typically refers to someone who requests sex for money under criminal rules. The government enforces the laws in Hopewell strictly, so if you suspect the police may accuse you or arrest you for soliciting prostitution, you may need to take action to protect yourself.
The police will arrest anyone they suspect, so even an innocent wave from a car could result in a charge. Also, the police may arrest you if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You do not need to lose hope when facing an arrest. The services of a Hopewell solicitation lawyer could be invaluable. Do not hesitate to seek out aid if you are worried about your future or your freedom. An aggressive and knowledgeable attorney may make all the difference in the outcome of your matter.
Solicitation Laws in Hopewell
It is a crime to offer money or something of value in exchange for a sexual act, as stated by the Code of Virginia §18.2-346. It is also solicitation to do anything in furtherance of some disallowed act. People may not offer money in exchange for the following:
- Adultery
- Fornication
- Cunnilingus
- Fellatio
- Anilingus
- Anal sex
- Incest
If the court convicts a person of breaking this law, that is a Class 1 misdemeanor. An experienced Hopewell solicitation defense attorney could explain the solicitation laws.
Solicitation of a Minor
If a person solicits some sexual act from a person who is 16 or 17 years old, that is a Class 6 felony. If the actor attempts to receive sex from someone under the age of 16, that is a Class 5 felony. Felony charges typically include more than one year of jail time, large fines and the requirement to disclose the felony on future job applications and leases. Given the serious nature of such charges, an accused individual may benefit from speaking with a proactive criminal attorney for legal advice.
Visiting a Bawdy Place
A person may also be charged with the act of visiting a “bawdy place,” which means any place used for prostitution or other lewd acts, as described in Code of Virginia §18.2-347. If a court convicts a person of this act, it is similar to a charge of solicitation, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Penalties for Solicitation
Basic solicitation of sex is a Class 1 misdemeanor, as noted above. The Court may sentence a person they convict to up to one year in jail and a fine of no more than $2,500.
The court may also require a convicted person to undergo tests for HIV or hepatitis C and receive counseling related to sexual health. The result of these test cannot be used for a criminal proceeding, as stated in Code of Virginia §18.2-346.1.
If a court convicts a person of soliciting someone under the age of 16, the court can sentence that person to five to 30 days in jail. If the court convicts an actor of soliciting a minor who is a minimum of 16 years old, the court could send that person to jail for one to ten years. Defendants are recommended to consult a Hopewell solicitation lawyer for help when facing such penalties.
Reach Out to a Hopewell Solicitation Attorney
No matter what led up to your arrest, make sure you take action to defend your name and protect your freedom. A charge of solicitation is not the end of the world, and there are options which may aid you in avoiding or minimizing any possible negative consequences.
Sit down with a Hopewell solicitation lawyer who may be able to explain the applicable laws to you and what you can expect going forward. You deserve to have a knowledgeable and aggressive defense attorney working on your behalf. Call today to learn more and see how a representative can help you.
