Glen Burnie Solicitation Lawyer
The potential consequences of being accused of solicitation can be severe. You may face criminal charges, public stigma, and lasting repercussions for your employment, housing, and family life. Solicitation allegations often stem from undercover investigations or online stings; law enforcement can be aggressive in pursuing these cases. Because of the stakes involved, working with an experienced Glen Burnie solicitation lawyer is critical to safeguarding your rights and defending your reputation.
A solicitation charge does not guarantee a conviction. With skilled legal counsel, you could challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome. One of our knowledgeable defense attorneys could examine the details of your case, evaluate the state’s evidence, and develop a targeted defense strategy to help you move forward.
What Are Solicitation Charges?
Solicitation offenses in the state are often prosecuted under Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 11-306, which covers both the offering of sexual services and the solicitation of them. This statute applies to both in-person encounters and online communications. Law enforcement agencies frequently conduct undercover sting operations through websites, chat rooms, or social media platforms to identify suspects.
A solicitation charge is typically a misdemeanor. However, penalties may include up to one year in jail and fines of up to $500. Repeat offenses can lead to more severe penalties and long-term collateral consequences, such as difficulty securing housing, maintaining employment, or keeping professional licenses. One of our Glen Burnie attorneys could help you understand the nature of your solicitation allegations and your potential defense strategies.
Common Scenarios Leading to Solicitation Charges
Solicitation cases often begin with undercover operations in which officers pose as either clients or providers. These interactions may involve vague language or ambiguous statements that officers later use to support criminal charges. Your lawyer could evaluate whether Glen Burnie law enforcement used entrapment or exceeded their authority during the solicitation investigation.
Other cases may rely on circumstantial evidence, such as text messages, call records, or hotel reservations. While this evidence may seem compelling, it does not always prove a solicitation crime. Prosecutors must demonstrate that there was a clear agreement to exchange sexual activity for compensation. Equivocal conversations or unclear intentions could undermine the state’s case and open opportunities for a strong defense.
Defense Strategies for Solicitation Charges
Every solicitation case is unique, so your lawyer must tailor your defense strategy to the facts. Common approaches include:
- Entrapment: Arguing that law enforcement induced the alleged conduct, which would not have otherwise occurred
- Challenging intent: Demonstrating that no clear agreement or intent to exchange sex for money existed
- Constitutional violations: Examining search and seizure methods to identify potential Fourth Amendment violations
- Lack of evidence: Showing that text messages or circumstantial details fail to meet the burden of proof
Your attorney could conduct a comprehensive investigation into how the evidence of solicitation in Glen Burnie was obtained and whether the prosecution can meet its burden beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Importance of Early Legal Representation
Solicitation investigations sometimes begin well before formal charges are filed. Police may monitor online communications, use undercover identities, or subpoena records from digital platforms.
Early legal representation ensures that your rights are protected throughout the solicitation investigation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a proactive defense strategy may lead to reduced charges, diversion programs, or even dismissal.
Talk to a Glen Burnie Lawyer About a Solicitation Accusation Today
Facing solicitation charges can be overwhelming, but experienced legal counsel could help protect your rights and future. Our skilled attorneys could evaluate the evidence, challenge improper procedures, and build a strategic defense tailored to your situation.
Contact Price Benowitz today for a free case evaluation with a Glen Burnie solicitation lawyer. Our team is prepared to review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the best possible legal outcome.
