Solicitation for Prostitution Information

Solicitation, in the criminal sense, is requesting, encouraging or demanding someone to participate or engage in criminal activities, with the intent to either facilitate or contribute to the committing of that conduct. Typically, solicitation refers to the crime of soliciting a prostitute.

In Ohio, solicitation for prostitution is defined 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.

Many people believe that money must be offered in order to be charged with solicitation of prostitution; this is not the case. Any object or service of monetary value can serve as compensation and result in criminal charges. Additionally, individuals can be charged with solicitation of prostitution even if the individual they solicited was not a prostitute; merely attempting to pay for sex is enough to be charged with this crime.

Penalties for soliciting a prostitute depend on several factors. In most cases, this crime is considered a third degree felony misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. If the prostitution actually takes place, an individual can be charged with compelling prostitution, which is punishable by between one and five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

For more information, please visit http://www.criminalattorneycolumbus.com/CriminalDefense/SexCrimes/SolicitationforProstitution.aspx.