Solicitation for Prostitution
The solicitation for prostitution is defined by the Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.241 as knowingly and intentionally attempting to persuade, compel, induce, or encourage someone to participate in sexual activity in order to receive some form of compensation. If you have been charged with this crime, there are defense options available to you. Contact a Columbus sex crimes defense lawyer to begin preparing your defense today.
Columbus Solicitation for Prostitution Attorney
If you have been charged with a soliciting a prostitute in Columbus, Franklin County, Madison County, Lancaster, or the surrounding areas, contact the Joslyn Law Firm. Brian D. Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm evaluates every Ohio prostitution charge meticulously and will strategize the most effective defense possible. Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a free consultation about your solicitation for prostitution charges.
Overview on Solicitation for Prostitution in Ohio
- Information on Solicitation for Prostitution
- What are the Penalties for Soliciting a Prostitute?
- Diversion Programs for Soliciting Prostitution School
- Finding a Qualified Defense Lawyer for Solicitation for Prostitution in Madison County
Information on Solicitation for Prostitution
Contrary to popular belief, in order for an individual to be charged with solicitation for prostitution, the compensation offered or received does not have to be of currency, it could also be goods, drugs, transportation, or any other object or service of monetary value. In some cases, individuals can be charged with solicitation for prostitution even though the individual they solicited was not a prostitute. Franklin County law enforcement often runs sting operations, targeting individuals who are attempting to pay for sex.
What are the Penalties for Soliciting a Prostitute?
Soliciting prostitution is typically considered a third degree felony misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
However, if the prostitution actually takes place, an individual can be charged with compelling prostitution which is a third degree felony and is punishable by between one and five years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
If the alleged offender compels an individual who is between the ages of 16 and 18 to participate in prostitution, he or she can face second degree felony charges, and be sentenced to between two and eight years in prison, and/or up to a $15,000 fine.
Compelling an individual for prostitution who is less than 16 years old is considered a first degree felony and can lead to between three and ten years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
Diversion Programs for Soliciting Prostitution School
In Ohio, when an individual is charged with soliciting prostitution, he or she may have the option of completing a diversion program in order to avoid time behind bars. John School is a popular diversion program that is aimed at clients of prostitutes.
In John School, individuals hear directly from former prostitutes about what prostitutes go through, the health risks associated with participating in sexual activity with a prostitute, and more information aimed at educating the offender on the risks and dangers of soliciting a prostitute.
If an individual successfully completes John School, the charges against him will be dropped helping him or her avoid spending time behind bars, as well as helping them avoid having a permanent stain on his or her criminal record.
Finding a Qualified Defense Lawyer for Solicitation for Prostitution in Madison County
Contact the Joslyn Law Firm today for a consultation about your solicitation for prostitution charges in Columbus, Ohio. It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to hear the facts of your particular case, and help you find any possible defenses or exceptions to the charges against you.
Call Brian Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Franklin County and surrounding counties, including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio.
