Solicitation/Patronizing

Solicitation and patronizing are two criminal offenses that are related to prostitution but involve different actions. Solicitation refers to the act of requesting, encouraging, or attempting to persuade someone to engage in illegal activities like prostitution. This can involve offering money or goods in exchange for sexual acts. In Washington state, solicitation is usually seen as a misdemeanor offense but can escalate to more severe charges depending on the circumstances.

Patronizing, on the other hand, involves engaging or attempting to engage in sexual services provided by a prostitute. This charge is usually directed at people who pay for sex or solicit sex from someone involved in prostitution. It is a Class C felony in Washington and can result in some hefty legal penalties, including prison time, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender in the state.

In addition to the legal consequences we have talked about and will go deeper into below, you can also face the social stigma that comes alongside these crimes. The nature of these offenses can lead to a very negative public perception, which can affect your personal life, relationships, and professional reputation.

For many, being charged with these crimes can also result in embarrassment, shame, and a great sense of isolation. You may be unfairly labeled as a criminal or morally compromised, even if you aren’t even convicted of the charges.

And in some cases, this stigma can extend to your family members who also may face judgment or prejudice from others in their community. The emotional toll of these charges can certainly prove to be overwhelming, even in the early stages.

Both of these crimes are considered serious matters under Washington law, and law enforcement officials actively pursue individuals who engage in or solicit prostitution. These efforts are typically a part of their effort to combat human trafficking and exploitation. If you are charged with either solicitation or patronizing, you must seek experienced legal counsel who can help you defend yourself against these charges.

In Washington state, the laws that address solicitation and patronizing prostitution are outlined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

This statute makes it illegal to engage in the act of prostitution or solicit, encourage, or request another person to engage in prostitution. First offenses are typically classified as misdemeanors, but subsequent offenses can result in more severe penalties, including felony charges in some circumstances.

It is illegal to knowingly engage or attempt to engage in a sexual act with a person who is involved in prostitution. Patronizing a prostitute is typically classified as a misdemeanor but may escalate to a felony depending on the circumstances, such as involving minors or repeat offenses.

This law involves the solicitation or patronizing of minors for sexual purposes and includes any act related to commercial sex involving a minor. This is considered a serious felony offense, carrying significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

It is illegal to encourage or facilitate prostitution, whether by operating a brothel, managing or assisting others in prostitution, or recruiting individuals for prostitution. While the penalties for this criminal offense can vary, it is generally considered a felony.

This statute criminalizes the trafficking of individuals, particularly minors, for purposes of sexual exploitation or commercial sexual acts. Human trafficking is a felony offense, with severe penalties for those convicted, including lengthy prison terms and significant fines.

It is illegal to solicit or attempt to solicit a minor for prostitution or other sexually exploitative acts. This law involves serious criminal penalties, including felony charges and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

This statute talks about how it is illegal to loiter or remain in a public place with the intent to solicit prostitution. This includes attempting to offer or exchange sexual acts for money. It is typically a misdemeanor but can carry penalties, including fines or arrest for violating public decency laws.

Washington has diverse urban and rural landscapes and has seen significant concerns related to criminal activities involving prostitution, human trafficking, and solicitation. Busy cities also face challenges that are tied to these illegal activities. High population densities, tourism, and transportation hubs make the region more of a focal point for those seeking to exploit vulnerable populations.

A criminal conviction for these charges can lead to lasting consequences, including incarceration, heavy fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender, all of which can severely impact your personal and professional life.

Given the complex nature of these crimes and the seriousness of the penalties that come along with them, having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference in your case.

Your attorney can help you navigate the process, assess the strength of the evidence presented against you, and help develop a strategic defense tailored to your case’s specifics. They can work to reduce the charges, negotiate plea deals on your behalf, and even seek to have the case completely dismissed.

We firmly believe that every solicitation and patronizing charge can be successfully challenged. Our attorneys have been defending individuals facing prostitution-related charges throughout Washington for more than 20 years.

If you or a loved one is facing a solicitation or patronizing charge, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, as they can take various steps to ensure your case has the best chance for a favorable outcome.

Our experienced Western Washington attorneys are committed to aggressively fighting for your rights. We will work tirelessly to help you avoid jail time and mitigate the impact of these charges on your future.

One of the most stressful and embarrassing crimes you can be charged with is patronizing or soliciting a prostitute. Certain jurisdictions conduct stings to catch potential “johns.”

A solicitation/patronizing charge is a misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, there are normally additional administrative fees and court costs imposed, especially with this type of criminal charge. The courts normally also impose probation and a stay out of area order and ask for a DNA test.

Solicitation is described as when a person engages or agrees or offers to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee. Sexual conduct is defined very broadly to include any type of sexual contact, not simply just having actual sex. Sexual contact means any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a person done for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire of either party or a third party.

If you find yourself facing a solicitation charge, don't wait to contact our office to discuss your options. Our experienced, professional staff and criminal defense attorneys are familiar with these unfortunate situations and can help you get through it.