Columbia Solicitation Lawyer
All forms of prostitution are illegal in Missouri and can be aggressively prosecuted. In addition to the criminal offense of prostitution, there is a separate crime for patronizing prostitution in Missouri. The crime of patronizing prostitution is defined by § 567.030, RSMo, which states that “a person commits the offense of patronizing prostitution if he or she:
- Pursuant to a prior understanding, gives something of value to another person as compensation for having engaged in sexual conduct with any person; or
- Gives or agrees to give something of value to another person with the understanding that such person or another person will engage in sexual conduct with any person; or
- Solicits or requests another person to engage in sexual conduct with any person in return for something of value.”
The penalty for the offense of patronizing prostitution in Columbia can range from 6 months in jail to 7 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Additionally, fines of up to $10,000 can be assessed depending upon the facts of the case. If you are facing these types of criminal charges, do not hesitate to reach out to a Columbia solicitation lawyer. An experienced criminal attorney could help you build a strong defense.
What Happens After I Have Been Charged with Solicitation?
Oftentimes these cases start because someone has attempted to solicit sex in exchange for money through an undercover law enforcement officer acting as a prostitute. Typically, evidence law enforcement will have would include electronic messages (i.e. e-mail, text messages, call recordings etc.) showing the arrangement that was made. As a result of that interaction, you can be charged with this offense if the law enforcement officer believes that they have probable cause.
Discovery Process
Discovery is a process in which the defendant finds out about the prosecutor’s case. It involves the exchange of police reports, witness lists, and evidence. In these types of cases, the discovery process can be lengthy—the process often involves thousands of text messages, phone recordings, and witness testimony. By hiring a solicitation attorney in Columbia, a person facing solicitation charges may be able to subpoena witnesses, take an in-depth look at the facts being presented against them, and reach a conclusion on how to resolve the case. Furthermore, before the discovery process begins, a defense attorney may be able to assert your rights to prevent prosecutorial overreach into your private life.
Burden of Proof
Remember, the burden of proof falls to the prosecutor pressing charges against you. In order to achieve conviction in criminal cases, prosecutors need to be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced lawyer will be able to examine the facts presented against you and provide you with options in your case. In criminal cases, your freedom, reputation, and financial security are on the line—you will want a well-versed defense attorney on your side to assert your rights throughout the process.
Contact a Columbia Solicitation Attorney Today
Solicitation charges can be stressful to handle and potentially very damaging to your future and reputation. If you have been charged with this offense, it is important for you to call a Columbia solicitation lawyer at the Law Office of Chris Miller to start your defense today. Our legal team will waste no time getting to work on your case.