Solicitation and Patronizing in Olympia

The stigma of solicitation and patronizing charges in Olympia can sometimes overshadow the truth. Because these accusations come with serious legal and personal consequences, you must take the time to understand what the charges are, what they mean, and what you can do to defend yourself against these allegations.

These charges typically stem from a person’s alleged involvement in activities surrounding prostitution. While the offenses are often treated as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors, the consequences can extend far beyond this and can ultimately affect employment, family relationships, and even a person’s community standing.

Under Washington law, solicitation involves offering money or something else of value in exchange for sexual services. Patronizing, on the other hand, is when someone knowingly engages in or attempts to engage in activities with a person offering sexual services. Both of these offenses are criminalized under Washington law, which highlights the state’s commitment to combating the exploitation of commercial sex. Convictions for these crimes can lead to fines, jail time, mandatory participation in education programs, and even the public disclosure of the offense.

Law enforcement in Olympia often uses undercover operations to find instances of solicitation and patronizing, but this can sometimes also result in wrongful accusations being thrown around. Misunderstandings, entrapment, or evidence that wasn’t legally obtained can all play a big role in these charges. If you are facing these allegations, you must have a clear understanding of your rights and seek counsel that can help you with your case.

A skilled criminal defense attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the charges you are up against, challenge the evidence, and advocate for a favorable resolution. This could be through negotiating for reduced penalties or presenting a strong defense for you in court. Your attorney can prove to be your greatest ally when it comes to protecting your future and ensuring that your side of the story is heard loud and clear.

What Washington Law Says About Solicitation and Patronizing in Olympia

Solicitation and patronizing are both criminal offenses you can find addressed under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 9A.88. This governs the crimes that are related to prostitution and other commercial sex activities.

• RCW 9A.88.030: This statute covers prostitution and criminalizes its offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for money or something else of value. While this law is commonly associated with the ones performing the act, those soliciting these services can also face charges.
• RCW 9A.88.110: This statute is about patronizing a prostitute and specifically targets those who seek out or engage in sexual conduct with a prostitute in exchange for payment. This also includes contacting someone for services or negotiating the payment for those services.
• RCW 9A.88.120: This statute discusses promoting prostitution and criminalizes any activity that promotes or facilitates it, including knowingly advancing or profiting from the proceeds. While this law primarily targets pimps and organizers of these acts, it also has some overlap when it comes to patronizing behaviors linked to organized activities.

The penalties for solicitation and patronizing are usually associated with gross misdemeanors and can include fines of up to $5,000, up to one year in Thurston County jail, and participation in programs designed to address the impact of commercial sex activities.

In some cases, these charges can also lead to felony charges, which can happen when someone patronizes or solicits a minor under the age of 18. This comes with higher penalties, of course, including lengthier prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

In addition to these consequences, you may find that they extend even further. The damage to your reputation can be extreme due to the moral and social stigma attached to these charges. Also, a criminal record, even when it is for a misdemeanor, can make it harder to secure or maintain employment. Solicitation and patronizing convictions on your record can be a red flag.

So if your occupation requires that you have a professional license, you might face disciplinary action or even the loss of your license.

What Olympia Has to Offer

Olympia, the state capital of Washington, has its fair share of historic landmarks and beautiful outdoor spaces. Residents and visitors alike love exploring the Washington State Capitol, strolling through the Olympia Farmers Market, or just enjoying a scenic walk around Capitol Lake.

However, while the city has many positive things to offer, it is also home to a law enforcement presence that takes prostitution-related crimes like solicitation and patronizing very seriously. Public safety is a primary concern here.

Given the very serious nature of these offenses, it’s important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help With These Charges in Olympia

A criminal defense attorney can provide you with invaluable assistance when you find yourself dealing with stressful and overwhelming charges in Olympia. They can thoroughly examine the details of your particular case and decide on the most suitable defense strategy to minimize the impact of the charges on your future opportunities.

An attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors to see if there is an opportunity to lessen the severity of the charges or sentences, whether it’s through alternative sentencing, like counseling or community service, or presenting a strong case in court.

At our firm, we believe that every solicitation or patronizing charge deserves a close look and a strong defense. For over 20 years, our team has been dedicated to defending people against these types of criminal allegations throughout Western Washington.

So if you or a loved one are facing solicitation or patronizing charges, consult someone on our team as soon as possible. Our Olympia defense attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and working relentlessly to help you avoid harsh penalties or long-lasting consequences. We are here to ensure your case gets all the attention it deserves and you have a strong defense strategy on your side.

One of the most stress inducing and embarrassing charges a person can face is a solicitation accusation. Our office understands what you are going through and we are prepared to help you through this difficult time.

A solicitation charge is a misdemeanor which means the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, the monetary penalty often goes above that due to other court fees. You will also be facing an HIV test, court ordered classes, and probation.

The state defines “solicitation” as when a person engages or agrees to or offers sexual conduct with another person for a fee. The state defines “sexual conduct” as any type of sexual contact – not just intercourse. This means if there is any type of touching of sexual or intimate parts with the intent to gratify sexual desire of either party or of that of a third party, it is deemed sexual conduct.

If you are facing a solicitation accusation, do not go through this alone. Give our office a call and we will be more than happy to discuss with you your situation.