Prostitution has been a part of human society from its very start—some even refer to it as “the world's oldest profession.” In the modern world, many people believe that all humans should be able to do whatever they want with their bodies, including engaging in prostitution.

Regardless of this, Pennsylvania's stance on prostitution is clear: it's against the law in the Commonwealth. Likewise, soliciting a prostitute's services is also a crime, and it can have severe penalties.

Solicitation Charges: A Gray Area

However, solicitation charges can sometimes arise out of a misunderstanding or miscommunication. Perhaps you did not understand what someone was proposing in a conversation and said something that could seem like solicitation. In addition, it's not uncommon for police officers to run sting operations to try to get otherwise innocent people to act in a way that can be misconstrued as solicitation of prostitution. If you're caught up in this type of operation or an innocent interaction that looks to the police like solicitation, your life could be altered irrevocably.

Solicitation Charges: How They Can Change Your Life

Here are a few of the ways a solicitation charge could impact your life:

• You could face jail time. As a first-time offense, solicitation is considered a third-degree misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to one year in jail. Repeated offenses can carry an even heavier penalty.
• It could ruin your reputation. Being convicted of any crime can change how your family and your community view you, and solicitation is no exception. Prostitution is still reviled by many people in our society, and charges of solicitation can be seen by some as a black mark on your character.
• It could damage your relationships. Your family members might view you differently if you are convicted of solicitation. In some cases, this type of criminal charge can even lead to divorce or changes in child custody agreements.
• It could damage your career. You might have trouble getting a job if you have a solicitation conviction on your record. This is a serious crime, and some employers may view it as a reason not to hire you, even if it was due to a misunderstanding or miscommunication.

Make no mistake—a solicitation charge can seriously derail your life. These consequences could be serious and long-lasting. If you are facing solicitation charges, you need to take action to defend yourself.

What to Do if You Are Accused of Solicitation

If you've been arrested for solicitation in Pennsylvania, you owe it to yourself to fight against this very serious charge. In many situations, solicitation charges can stem from a misunderstanding or miscommunication rather than a real intention on your part to engage in a crime.

For help fighting solicitation charges in Pennsylvania, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. We can help you handle contact with the police, evaluate the evidence against you, and formulate a strong defense against the charges against you. The LLF Criminal Defense Team can help explain to the court what really happened in this complex situation and work toward the best possible legal outcome for your situation. To schedule a consultation, call us at 888-535-3686 or use our online contact form.