Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Attorneys in Oakland County, Michigan
In Michigan, you face harsh judges and zealous prosecutors if you face solicitation allegations in Oakland County. Your best defense starts right here!
Defense Attorneys for Solicitation Charges in Oakland County, Michigan
In Oakland County, Michigan, solicitation and prostitution charges can have severe legal ramifications, affecting someone’s personal and professional life. It is essential for those who are facing these charges to have a solid understanding of the value of hiring a qualified Oakland County solicitation defense attorney and the crucial role they play in circumstances like these. Needless to say, these charges can have a profound professional and personal impact on the accused’s life. When choosing the best defense attorney for solicitation charges, it is essential you find someone willing, able, and motivated to do everything possible to beat the case.
What can an attorney do to help someone facing prostitution-related charges?
The services of solicitation and prostitution defense attorneys in Oakland County, Michigan, are crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape. Individuals confronted with solicitation charges would greatly benefit from their knowledge, expertise, and comprehension of local legislation and law enforcement procedures. Top solicitation defense attorneys, such as those with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., can uniquely and expertly provide the following services to those accused of hiring a prostitute in Oakland County.
The legal services provided by the Oakland County defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. include the following:
- Legal Expertise in Criminal Law: The attorney should thoroughly understand criminal law, especially the laws and regulations surrounding solicitation charges. Expertise includes experience with Oakland County prosecutors, positive relationships in that challenging legal community, and the respect of local judges for their zealous and effective legal representation.
- Case Assessment and Strategy Development: The attorney should be able to evaluate the specifics of the case and develop a strategic approach. Strategy development involves analyzing the evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and determining the best legal strategy, whether it’s negotiating a plea deal or proceeding to trial.
- Representation in Court: Skilled courtroom advocacy is essential. The attorney should represent their client in court, presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and working to persuade the judge or jury effectively. An attorney representing someone charged with solicitation in Oakland County must be able to humanize their client before the Court to lessen the impact of any stigma from the charges.
- Negotiation Skills: An influential defense attorney can often negotiate for reduced or dismissed charges. The lawyer must have strong negotiation skills to deal with prosecutors and judges in these highly charged cases.
- Confidentiality and Discretion: Due to the sensitive nature of solicitation charges, the attorney should ensure complete confidentiality and handle the case with discretion.
- Guidance and Support: The attorney should respectfully guide their client through the legal process, explaining steps and legal jargon and providing emotional and moral support. The attorneys and staff with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. treat all clients with dignity and respect.
- Experience with Similar Cases: Experience in handling solicitation cases is crucial. An attorney with a track record of successfully defending similar cases can provide insights and strategies that might not be apparent to a less experienced lawyer. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has successfully represented hundreds of clients on solicitation and prostitution-related charges in Oakland County and throughout Michigan. Hiring an attorney who does not have extensive experience with criminal cases and solicitation cases in particular is a recipe for disaster. Divorce, business, real estate, or other non-criminal expert attorneys are not qualified to expertly handle criminal cases such as solicitation. You need an attorney devoted to criminal defense, not an attorney who “dabbles” occasionally in criminal defense work.
- Investigative Resources: The attorney may need to conduct their own investigation to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. A defense investigation can include private investigators, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence to support the defense. The advantage of working with a criminal defense law firm is the combined power, influence, and resources available to a team of attorneys compared to a solo practitioner’s limited resources.
Selecting an attorney with these skills and services can significantly impact the outcome of a case involving solicitation charges and possibly lead to a complete dismissal of all charges.
Understanding Solicitation Charges
Solicitation refers to soliciting, persuading, or demanding that another person engage in unlawful behavior. The most common kind of solicitation is for prostitution. Under Michigan law, solicitation of prostitution is a serious offense that, depending on the specifics of the situation, can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Solicitation means a person 16 years of age or older who accosts, solicits, or invites another person in a public place or in or from a building or vehicle, by word, gesture, or any other means, to commit prostitution or to do any other lewd or immoral act, is guilty of solicitation.
Penalties for Solicitation in Oakland County
The legal penalties for a solicitation conviction in Oakland County, Michigan, can vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some potential legal penalties:
- Jail or Prison Time: Solicitation offenses can lead to incarceration. A first offense can result in 93 days in jail and two (2) years of probation. A second conviction carries up to one year in jail. A third or subsequent conviction can result in two (2) years in prison and up to five (5) years of probation.
- Fines: Convictions often carry significant fines between $500 and $2,000, which can vary based on the severity of the offense and whether it’s a first or subsequent offense.
- Probation: A court might sentence an individual to probation instead of, or in addition to, jail time. Probation typically includes various conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, maintaining employment, avoiding further legal trouble, and possibly attending counseling or educational programs.
- Community Service: Courts may also require individuals convicted of solicitation to perform tens or hundreds of hours of community service.
- Criminal Record: A solicitation conviction will result in a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences on employment, housing, and other aspects of life.
- Sex Offender Registration: In some instances, especially those involving minors, the convicted individual may be required to register as a sex offender, which has significant and long-lasting implications for housing, employment, and community standing.
- Loss of Civil Rights: Convictions can result in the loss of certain civil rights, like voting or owning firearms, particularly if the conviction is a felony.
- Impact on Professional Licenses and Immigration Status: Such a conviction can adversely affect professional licenses and pose problems for non-citizens, including deportation or ineligibility for reentry into the United States.
- Restitution: In some cases, the court may order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim.
- Mandatory Counseling or Treatment Programs: The court may require participation in counseling or treatment programs, particularly if the solicitation is related to sex work or substance abuse.
It’s important to note that the exact penalties can vary greatly depending on the case facts and the judge’s discretion. Consulting with an experienced solicitation defense attorney in Oakland County is crucial for anyone facing charges.
The Role of a Solicitation Defense Attorney
An attorney specializing in the legal defense of clients accused of solicitation is known as a “solicitation defense attorney.” Their primary responsibility is to provide a strong defense for their clients, which may involve contesting the evidence presented by the prosecution, negotiating plea deals, or representing their clients in court. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully used all of the following defenses in Oakland County courts:
- Lack of Evidence: Our attorneys successfully argued that the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Mistake of Fact: We’ve argued there was a misunderstanding or a mistake regarding the nature of the transaction or interaction.
- Entrapment: Our team has filed motions and argued cases to the Michigan Supreme Court that Oakland County law enforcement officers induced or persuaded our clients into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed. Entrapment can occur when officers use coercion or overbearing tactics to compel someone to engage in solicitation or prostitution.
- No Intent to Commit a Crime: We’ve demonstrated that our clients did not have the intention to engage in solicitation or prostitution, which is crucial since intent is a necessary element in these offenses.
- Insufficient Agreement or Communication: Our lawyers have argued that there was no explicit agreement or communication for exchanging money or other valuables for sexual acts, which can be crucial in proving solicitation.
- Violation of Constitutional Rights: We’ve filed motions arguing police officers violated our client’s constitutional rights during the investigation, arrest, or prosecution process. These motions have included allegations of illegal search and seizure, lack of probable cause for arrest, and failure to provide Miranda warnings.
- Mistaken Identity or False Accusation: In many cases, we’ve argued our client was not the individual involved in the act or that the accusation is false.
- Alibi Defense: In a couple of cases, we presented evidence that our client was not present at the time and place where the alleged solicitation or prostitution occurred.
Each of these defenses requires careful consideration and strategic implementation based on the facts of the case. An experienced criminal defense attorney, such as those with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., can evaluate the specifics of a case and determine the most appropriate defense strategy.
Solicitation Defense in Oakland County
Lawyers might handle solicitation cases in Oakland County in a few different ways. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has reported that law enforcement agencies are aggressively conducting sting operations to reduce instances of solicitation and prostitution. As a result of this proactive strategy, the role of a defense attorney becomes even more critical. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has seen a 500% increase in calls from prospective clients facing solicitation charges based on police and sheriff sting operations. In many of these cases, we are witnessing over-aggressive police officers who engage in sketchy, entrapment-like activities to bring charges and make arrests.
Why hire LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to protect and defend you from solicitation charges in Oakland County, Michigan?
When facing solicitation charges in Oakland County, Michigan, the importance of choosing an experienced and dedicated legal team cannot be overstated. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. stands out as a premier choice, offering decades of specialized experience in defending clients against solicitation and prostitution charges. Their deep understanding of Michigan and Oakland County law and a proven track record of successful outcomes positions them uniquely to offer the most robust defense possible. The firm’s commitment to confidentiality, personalized attention, and aggressive representation ensures that your case is handled with the utmost professionalism and dedication.
Choosing LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. means opting for a team that will not only fight tirelessly for your legal rights, but also provide the compassionate, respectful support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Their reputation for excellence in Oakland County’s legal community is a testament to their ability to protect and defend their clients effectively. You can trust their expertise to navigate the complexities of your solicitation charge, and one of the best defense teams in Michigan will have your back. Call us for a free consultation. We will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address your concerns. We are not afraid to win!
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
Oakland County, Michigan
Oakland County, in southeastern Michigan, is well-known for the vibrant mix of urban and suburban areas that it contains. In addition to being one of the wealthiest counties in the state, it also has a robust economy driven by industries such as healthcare, technology, and the automobile industry. The county is home to a diverse population. It provides an excellent quality of life by virtue of its fantastic educational institutions, an abundance of parks, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Oakland County is an important suburban hub because of its closeness to Detroit. It strikes a balance between economic growth and the preservation of lush open spaces and emphasizes living in a community-centered manner.