If you were arrested as the result of a sting operation and charged with solicitation of prostitution, it is important that you realize the far-reaching consequences of a potential conviction for the crime. A sting operation is essentially a deceitful set-up intended to “catch” those engaging in illegal activities. A police officer will generally act the part of a criminal or victim in order to gain evidence of a suspect’s criminal activities. Sting operations are full of ethical concerns regarding whether the operation constitutes entrapment. Law enforcement personnel must be sure they are not provoking the commission of a crime in a person who otherwise would not have committed a crime. Further in the process of a sting operation, the police may be engaging in a similar crime, such as soliciting prostitution or prostitution itself.
Of course the defense your attorney will build on your behalf is predicated on the specific facts surrounding your arrest, however some defenses he or she may employ include:
- An entrapment defenses could be used if the police were carrying out an undercover sting operation and it can be proven you were unfairly cajoled into committing an illegal act;
- Your attorney may argue there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt you were breaking the prostitution or solicitation laws in the state of California, or
- The “mistake” defense may be applicable in your case. The mistake defense asserts you never intended to purchase a sexual act for money. As an example, if you hired an escort and your intention was only to have a date for the evening, then you later performed a sexual act, your attorney might be able to argue there was no intent to break the law.
There could also be potential questions of evidence or mistakes made on the part of the police during your arrest, which could affect the case against you.
Contact Our Oakland Sex Crimes Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been arrested for soliciting a prostitute, it is important to begin building your case immediately. The longer these cases drag out, the worse it can be for your reputation and your future. Call the Oakland sex crimes lawyers at the Law Offices of Nabiel C. Ahmed today for a free initial consultation. Call today at (510) 907-6600 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information.