Phoenix Sex Solicitation Defense Attorney

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 criminal defense lawyer you will need to protect your rights.

Why Choose AZ Defenders?

• We understand Arizona criminal law and how to defend charges of sex solicitation or prostitution.
• AZ Defenders is one of the most aggressive criminal defense firms in the nation. We are not afraid to fight for your rights in court and will not settle for a guilty plea.
• Our Phoenix criminal defense lawyers are well-respected members of the legal community. Founding partner Craig Rosenstein is an Arizona Justice Project board member.

What Is Sex Solicitation in Arizona?

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.

State and City Laws Against Sex Solicitation

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.

What Are the Penalties?

A person convicted of soliciting prostitution in Phoenix is guilty of a class one misdemeanor. Penalties increase with each prior conviction as follows:

• A first offense may result in a mandatory minimum of 15 days of jail time, completion of a court-ordered education or treatment program, and a possible fine.
• A second conviction carries not less than 30 days jail time, completion of a court-ordered education or treatment program, a mandatory fee of $2,000 paid to the human trafficking prevention fund, and a possible fine, in the discretion of the court.
• With a third conviction, penalties increase to not less than 60 days of jail time, court-ordered education or treatment program, a mandatory fee paid to the human trafficking prevention fund in the amount of $2,250, and a possible fine, in the court’s discretion.
• A fourth or subsequent conviction carries stiffer penalties, including a minimum of 180 days in jail, a court-ordered treatment or education program, a mandatory fee of $2,500 paid to the human trafficking prevention fund, and a possible fine, in the discretion of the court.

Contact Our Firm

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 AZ Defenders 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.