Soliciting sex (or prostitution) is a crime in Arizona. If you have been arrested or charged with this offense in Phoenix, do not answer any questions other than your name and basic biographical information, or volunteer any information to the police. Instead, call AZ Defenders for the dedicated Phoenix sex solicitation defense lawyer you will need to protect your rights.
Sex solicitation is another term for soliciting prostitution – or requesting another person to perform a sexual act in exchange for a fee or something of value. For this offense to be committed in Arizona, it is not necessary to have completed a sexual act in exchange for a fee – merely offering or agreeing to do so is sufficient. Both parties to the agreement, both the person performing a sexual service and the person offering something of value in exchange, can be charged with a crime.
Prostitution in Arizona means engaging in or offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with any person under a fee arrangement for money or any valuable consideration. The law, which applies equally to prostitutes and clients, covers the act of hiring someone or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct for compensation. If you are facing charges of sex solicitation or have further questions about what constitutes sex solicitation, speak with an experienced criminal lawyer in Phoenix.
Prostitution and sex soliciting do not fall under the category of sex crimes in Arizona, for which a felony conviction can carry heavy penalties, including prison time and registration as a sex offender. However, they are still crimes under state law and city ordinances. Prostitution as a criminal category is covered under Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 13, Chapter 32 and the City of Phoenix Municipal Code Section 23-52.
A person convicted of soliciting prostitution in Phoenix is guilty of a class one misdemeanor. Penalties increase with each prior conviction as follows:
Although sex soliciting in Arizona is not classified in the more serious sex crime category with potential prison sentences and sex offender registration, you still do not want a conviction on your record. Call or email our Phoenix sex solicitation defense attorney as soon as possible for the dedicated criminal defense you need. Our experienced Phoenix lawyers are well-versed in all possible defenses to prostitution and sex soliciting.
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