Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Lawyer
I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.
Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience
I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.
Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience
- Prostitution and Solicitation Lawyer in Tampa | Mike G Law
- Why You Should Hire Mike G Law as Your Prostitution and Solicitation Lawyer in Tampa
- What Is Prostitution?
- What Is Solicitation?
- What Are Prostitution and Solicitation Laws in Tampa?
- Penalties for Prostitution in Florida
- Penalties for Solicitation in Florida
- Potential Defense
- Our Process: What to Expect When You Work With Mike G Law
- Frequently Asked Questions for Prostitution and Solicitation Lawyers in Tampa
Why You Should Hire Mike G Law as Your Prostitution and Solicitation Lawyer in Tampa
As a former prosecutor with over three decades of experience, Mike G should be the first prostitution and solicitation lawyer in Tampa you call. Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, he worked as an Assistant State Attorney, investigating, filing, and litigating thousands of cases.
Mike G not only understands how judges, the police, and prosecutors will handle the charges against you, but he also has their respect and can negotiate with them on your behalf. Further, Mike G has ample experience fighting all types of sex offenses, such as:
- Beastiality
- Human trafficking
- Indecent exposure
- Lewd or lascivious crimes
- Lewd and lascivious battery
- Lewd and lascivious conduct
- Lewd and lascivious exhibition
- Lewd and lascivious molestation
- Possession of child pornography
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Sexual abuse and battery (including child sexual abuse)
- Statutory rape
If you need help from Mike G but live outside Tampa, we can still help. Our law firm offers services in the greater Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the following Florida counties:
Visit our Tampa office or call us today for legal advice about your case.
What Is Prostitution?
According to Florida Statute 796.07, prostitution is “the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses.”
What Is Solicitation?
Generally speaking, solicitation is asking for or trying to obtain something from someone.
No soliciting laws in Florida, found under Florida Statute 777.04, state that “a person who solicits another to commit an offense prohibited by law and in the course of such solicitation commands, encourages, hires, or requests another person to engage in specific conduct which would constitute such offense or an attempt to commit such offense commits the offense of criminal solicitation.”
Solicitation of prostitution in Florida makes it illegal to solicit someone in person, online, or on the phone, hire someone you know is a prostitute, or agree to pay money in exchange for sex.
Often, the solicitor is a “john.”
What Are Prostitution and Solicitation Laws in Tampa?
Is prostitution legal in Florida?
No, it’s not. And neither is solicitation.
There are two primary Florida laws to know regarding these crimes: Chapter 796 (prostitution and prostitution-related offenses) and Chapter 777, which includes Florida solicitation law.
Importantly, you should know that money does not need to change hands, nor does a sexual act need to occur for law enforcement to make an arrest for prostitution. They only require proof of an offer of money or something else of value in return for a sexual act or service in order to charge either person with the crime.
Further, it’s illegal to maintain, own, establish, or operate a structure for the purpose of prostitution, assignation, or lewdness. It’s also against the law to transport or agree to transport someone to a structure for the purpose of prostitution.
Penalties for Prostitution in Florida
The criminal charges for prostitution cases vary depending on how many prior offenses are on your record.
A first-time prostitution charge is a second-degree misdemeanor. The penalties are as follows:
- A maximum fine of $500
- Up to 60 days of jail time
- 100 hours of community service
However, a second offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, which faces up to one year in jail. A third or further subsequent offense is a third-degree felony. The penalties are a maximum fine of $5,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.
Those convicted of prostitution must also undergo screening for sexually transmitted diseases. If the offender tests positive for HIV or another sexually transmitted disease, they may face harsher penalties for future prostitution offenses.
Penalties for Solicitation in Florida
A solicitation charge carries harsher penalties than a prostitution charge. The penalties are as follows:
- First offense: first-degree misdemeanor
- Up to one year in jail
- Second offense: third-degree felony
- Up to five years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Third offense: second-degree felony
- Up to 15 years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
Additional penalties may include community service and driver’s license suspension.
Potential Defense
There are several potential defenses your criminal defense attorney may use if you commit prostitution or solicitation. Below are some of the most common defenses.
Entrapment
Sting operations are legal (though controversial) as they create opportunities for crimes. If police suspect someone has a predisposition to commit a crime, an undercover officer may try to catch the individual in the act of committing criminal activity.
On the other hand, entrapment, using coercion to make someone commit a crime, is illegal.
If you had no predisposition to commit a crime and law enforcement used coercive tactics to push you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have committed, you may be able to use entrapment as a defense.
Mistaken Identity
In the case of mistaken identity, your sex crimes attorney would need to prove you weren’t at the alleged crime scene at the stipulated time. This may be possible by presenting a solid alibi.
No Agreement
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you agreed to exchange sex for money (or something of value). The prosecution’s case will not be successful if your Tampa criminal defense lawyer can show there was no agreement in place. In other words, they can prove that the evidence against you is weak and lacking.
Unlawful Search
Law enforcement must have probable cause to search you. If they search you without following proper protocols, the court may throw out the evidence against you.
Police must follow many procedures to ensure they don’t violate your rights. If the police violated your rights at any point during your arrest or questioning, your lawyer can use this as a defense.
Our Process: What to Expect When You Work With Mike G Law
Start by scheduling a free consultation with Mike G to discuss the details of your case. In this meeting, you’ll learn about possible defenses and realistic outcomes you can expect.
If both parties agree to continue, Mike G will guide you every step of the way, from negotiating with prosecutors during the pre-file investigation and collecting evidence to crafting a defense strategy and going to trial.
Mike G will always work diligently to fight for your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case. However, he is straightforward, not here to be your friend, and will only provide honesty about your situation.
Tampa Prostitution and Solicitation Lawyer FAQs
Get answers to these questions below from a highly experienced Tampa sex crimes lawyer about the laws and consequences of prostitution and solicitation in Florida.
Is Solicitation of Prostitution a Felony in Florida?
A first-offense solicitation charge is not a felony, but a second or subsequent charge will be a felony.
In addition to a felony on your criminal record, the state of Florida requires those convicted of internet solicitation to register as a sex offender. Registered sex offenders face limits on where they can live, move, and associate with.
Can You Go to Jail for Soliciting in Florida?
Yes, you can go to jail for soliciting in Florida. A first offense is up to one year in prison.
However, those with a second or subsequent offense will face prison time as a penalty.
What Are the Elements Required to Prosecute Prostitution?
For the prosecution to secure a conviction, they must provide the following:
- Agreement or act to engage in sexual intercourse or a lewd act in exchange for money or something of value
- Voluntary participation
- Awareness of the nature of the act
- Specific intent to engage in prostitution
Remember, the burden of proof falls on the prosecutor, so always work with a criminal defense lawyer to build a strong defense for your case.
How to Beat a Solicitation Charge in Florida
It’s best to hire a Tampa prostitution lawyer to beat a solicitation charge. A lot goes into your chances of successfully defending your charges, such as the complexity of your case and the evidence against you.
Working with a skilled and experienced attorney is the best way to increase your chances of getting a more favorable outcome.
Let Mike G Help Protect Your Rights
The decisions you make after you have been arrested can determine the outcome of your case — and possibly your life. Call Mike G Law at 813-221-4303, or contact me online.
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I would do more than 5 stars if it was available. Mr. Gonzalez was outstanding. Told everything how it was, very responsive to call and email. Fought very hard to get my husband the outcome he received. If We were to ever need a attorney in Florida again, We would use him as many times as We needed. We highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome attorney to go with Mike G Law!!! He gets to the point!!!
I cannot recommend Mr Gonzalez enough. He is extremely professional as is his entire firm. Mr Gonzalez has been very knowledgeable and forthcoming throughout the entire legal process. I highly recommend him and a definite five star!
Mike G. is a great attorney. Very professional, very punctual, easy to talk to. Thanks to him my case was dismissed charges dropped.
I was able to text or call Mike anytime I needed to. He worked with me, on a real level and communicated realistic expectations for my situation. Thanks again guys.
I wish I could give Mr. González 10 stars out of 5. He is a stellar and highly competent criminal justice attorney. Mr. González has effectively given me a second chance at life thanks to his deep and professional knowledge of criminal law. I was facing a very serious crime that carried a considerable period of imprisonment. But thanks to his incredible talent, sheer strength of intelligence, and a strong heart to fight for an individual’s values, I can now rest easy knowing that I will not have to suffer through the penal system. If you ever have a problem with the criminal justice system, I highly recommend that you hire this remarkable gentleman to fight for you in your case. I owe you a tremendous debt for your services. He gave me back my life and I will always be grateful. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez!
Mike took care of my legal and civil case and was very helpful and Professional. He was responsive to all my questions and gave me updates as I asked for them. He helped get me in a position to see my son again which I am extremely grateful for. Thank you and God bless!