Solicitation for Sex in Michigan

Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys

Solicitation occurs when someone incites another person to commit a crime. Solicitation of any type of criminal activity is illegal in Michigan. So, it is no surprise that it is illegal to solicit another person to commit prostitution, which is a crime under Michigan law. The solicitation law states:

A person 16 years of age or older who accosts, solicits, or invites another person in a public place or in or from a building or vehicle, by word, gesture, or any other means, to commit prostitution or to do any other lewd or immoral act, is guilty of a crime.

It is important to note that when it comes to solicitation, there need not have been any sexual activity that occurred. The defendant only has to invite the prostitute to have sex for money, and this invitation can be done by a simple gesture alone. The most common scenario resulting in solicitation charges is when a man walks up to a female prostitute and says or does something that makes it clear he is offering to pay her money in exchange for sex.

Defendants are often caught during law enforcement sting operations when undercover female officers dress and act as prostitutes, waiting for men to come up and solicit sex. The Michigan solicitation law specifically states that law enforcement officers are allowed to engage in this type of law enforcement sting in the course of their law enforcement duties. Police may also just initiate surveillance on an area known for prostitution and arrest the solicitor, the prostitute, and even her pimp.

Penalties for solicitation

First offenders face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of $500, or both. Two-time offenders face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a fine of $1,000, or both. Third and subsequent offenders face felony charges punishable by up to 2 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.

It is also a crime to help another person commit solicitation. This is called aiding and abetting, and it is punishable with the same penalties as the actual person doing the solicitation.

Hiring a Michigan sex crime attorney

Sex crimes are some of the most serious allegations under Michigan law. Penalties can range up to life in prison for the most serious Criminal Sexual Conduct charges. You will want an sex crime attorney who is extremely aggressive and knowledgeable when it comes to defending sex crimes. At Kronzek & Cronkright, our attorneys have many years of experience representing clients charged with Michigan and federal sex crimes. We will work to protect you from a criminal investigation or criminal charges relating to solicitation, prostitution, or any other sex crime.

Contact an aggressive sex crime defense attorney today! Our number is 1-866-7-NoJail.