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In St. Paul, dealing with a solicitation of prostitution charge can be terrifying and confusing, and you might wonder whether hiring a lawyer is necessary.

Yes, hiring a St. Paul criminal defense attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Below, the team at the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka will break down key considerations, the relevant laws, and the potential consequences of going through the legal process without representation.

If you have any questions, or would like to speak to an experienced prostitution charges lawyer in St. Paul, please contact us today.

What Is the Meaning of Solicitation of Prostitution?

You’ve been charged with solicitation of prostitution, meaning law enforcement believes that you offered or agreed to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money or something of value.

Whether the act was fully carried out or just attempted, the law views any such agreement as criminal behavior.

How Does Minnesota Law Treat Prostitution in St. Paul?

Prostitution in Minnesota is governed by strict state laws that apply uniformly across cities, including St. Paul. These statutes outline the various offenses associated with prostitution, including soliciting a prostitute.

The statute also sets out the penalties. The state can charge you with anything from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances.

Local law enforcement practices and prosecutorial approaches can differ by county. For example, St. Paul has seen increased efforts to crack down on prostitution in certain areas, including “john stings” and undercover operations.

Being arrested in one of these sting operations can lead to higher scrutiny and harsher penalties.

A St. Paul criminal defense attorney familiar with the local courts and prosecutors can help navigate these complexities and advocate for you.

Is a Solicitation of Prostitution Charge Serious in Minnesota?

Minnesota takes solicitation of prostitution seriously, and penalties can vary based on prior convictions, the location of the offense, and whether minors were involved.

A first-time offender might face misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders or those soliciting in designated areas (such as school zones) could be looking at felony charges.

Solicitation of prostitution penalties include:

  • Jail time. You can get up to 90 days for a misdemeanor. Repeat offenders face up to 5 years, and those convicted of offenses involving minors face up to 20 years incarceration.
  • Fines. The mandatory minimum fine is $1,500; however, the court can impose community service in place of the minimum mandatory fine. Fines increase for subsequent and felony convictions. 
  • Public consequences. A conviction can result in mandatory attendance at a “John school,” community service, and public notification, damaging personal and professional reputations.

Given these severe consequences, hiring a lawyer for prostitution-related charges is often in your best interest.

An experienced attorney can assess your case and build a defense strategy tailored to the unique facts of your situation.

What Defenses Could a Prostitution Lawyer Use?

One of the most important reasons to hire a prostitution lawyer is the defense strategies they can develop that might be otherwise overlooked.

  • Entrapment. In some cases, law enforcement officers may induce someone to commit an offense they would not have committed otherwise.
  • Insufficient evidence. The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If evidence is lacking or improperly obtained, it could lead to a dismissal of your case.
  • Mistake of fact. You might have been falsely accused of solicitation based on a misunderstanding or misidentification.

A skilled defense attorney investigates all possible defenses and improves the chances of a positive result.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Prostitution? 

Opting not to hire a lawyer can significantly impact your case. Despite facing a first-time misdemeanor charge for solicitation of prostitution, the legal system’s complexity can result in unintended outcomes if you proceed without assistance. 

What Happens If You Don’t Hire a Prostitution Lawyer for a Solicitation Charge?

Without legal representation, you might:

  • Misunderstand the law. Laws about solicitation are often intricate. Misunderstanding them can result in unnecessary convictions or harsher penalties.
  • Procedural defenses. Legal defenses can be based on law enforcement not following the proper procedure during investigations or arrest. Legal defenses can be based on law enforcement not following the proper procedure during the investigation or arrest phase. 
  • Accept an unfavorable plea deal. Prosecutors may offer plea deals that appear beneficial but come with lasting repercussions, like a criminal record or sex offender registration. A lawyer can help you evaluate whether a plea deal is in your best interest.

Given these potential pitfalls, the stakes are simply too high to go without professional legal guidance.

How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Prostitution Charges

Selecting the right lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are key considerations when choosing a defense attorney for your prostitution solicitation charge:

  • Experience. Look for a lawyer with significant experience handling prostitution-related cases, particularly in Minnesota. Arechigo & Stokka has years of experience in criminal defense, including successfully defending clients against solicitation charges.
  • Local knowledge. A St. Paul criminal defense lawyer who understands the local courts, judges, and prosecutors will have insights into the best strategies for your case.
  • Personal attention. You deserve an attorney committed to your case and focused on achieving the best outcome for you.

A defense attorney can absolutely play a critical role in either reducing or dismissing a solicitation of prostitution charge.

In some cases, they may negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges to a lesser offense, such as disorderly conduct, which carries fewer consequences.

An experienced St. Paul criminal defense attorney understands the legal landscape and may identify procedural errors or rights violations that could result in the dismissal of the charges altogether.

Why Choose Arechigo & Stokka for Your Solicitation Charge?

Arechigo and Stokka have years of experience defending clients facing a solicitation of prostitution charge in St. Paul and throughout Minnesota.

We understand each case is unique, and our firm is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation for the best possible outcome.

Our lawyers are well-versed in Minnesota’s laws and have a strong track record of successfully defending against solicitation charges.

Don’t risk your future—contact us now for a consultation. We’ll help you understand your options.

Author Photo John T. Arechigo, Esq.

Attorney John Arechigo has a passion for criminal defense. John received his J.D. from Hamline University School of Law in 2006 and also carries a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Minnesota. John was named Attorney of the Year in 2015 and 2019 by Minnesota Lawyer. Additionally, John was also named as a Rising Star from 2017–2019 and has been selected to Minnesota Super Lawyers from 2021–2024. He devotes nearly 100% of his practice to defending individuals charged with a crime.

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