Solicitation Lawyer in Kansas City
Prostitution and related activities are illegal in Missouri. Although the act of prostitution itself is a misdemeanor in Missouri, related activities such as solicitation, streetwalking, high-class escorts, and establishments involved in human trafficking are also crimes with both misdemeanor and felony penalties.
Solicitation, also known as patronizing a prostitute, is strictly prohibited in the state. Missouri law also criminalizes activities like promoting prostitution (commonly known as pimping) and promoting sex tourism. Notably, these offenses carry more severe penalties compared to those faced by the prostitutes themselves or their customers.
Unlike prostitution charges, which are typically misdemeanours, solicitation, pimping and promotion charges can be categorized as felonies. If you find yourself facing such charges, it is advisable to seek assistance from experienced solicitation attorneys like those at KC Defense Counsel. They can provide expert advice and legal representation to safeguard your future and preserve your reputation.
Missouri Solicitation Laws
In Missouri, solicitation and other prostitution-related crimes are outlined in Missouri Statute Chapter 567. Being convicted of any of these offenses can have significant negative impacts on both your personal and professional life.
According to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 567.010 and § 567.030, an individual can be charged with solicitation in Missouri if they:
- Provide money or any form of compensation in exchange for sexual activity.
- Offer money or something of value, or agree to do so, with the understanding that they will receive sexual activity in return.
- Solicit or request sexual activity in exchange for money or something of value.
It’s important to understand that the severity of the punishment for solicitation increases if the person being solicited is a minor under the age of 18. Additionally, it’s crucial to note that a person can be convicted of patronizing in Missouri even if no sexual activity actually takes place.
Penalties for Solicitation in Kansas City, MO
Engaging in patronizing prostitution, which involves giving something of value to another person in exchange for their participation in sexual conduct, is considered a Class B misdemeanour punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of $500.
However, if the individual solicited is between fourteen and eighteen years old, the offense is elevated to a class E felony punishable by either one year in jail, up to four years in prison, or a fine of up to $10,000.
In the event that the individual solicited is fourteen years old or younger, you can be charged with a Class D felony, which carries penalties including imprisonment for up to seven years and fines up to $10,000.
Additionally, apart from a patronizing prostitution charge, you may also be subject to statutory rape charges based on the age of the victim. These charges could be classified as either first or second-degree statutory rape and are both considered felony offences.
Crime Of Promoting Online Sexual Solicitation
According to Missouri Statute Chapter 566.103, an individual or organization can be held responsible for promoting online sexual solicitation if they knowingly allow a web-based classified service they own or operate to be used for purposes of:
- promoting prostitution,
- enticing a child to engage in sexual activities, or
- promoting sexual trafficking of a child once they have received a notification concerning such activities.
An advertisement aimed at promoting prostitution, enticing a child to engage in sexual activities, or promoting sexual trafficking of a child may be deemed to be in violation of this section if the content implies an offer to:
exchange sexual conduct for goods or services,
soliciting children for purposes of sexual or commercial sex acts, or
offering a child to participate in sexual or commercial sex acts as defined in sections 566.151, 566.210, or 566.211.
If a prohibited advertisement remains on the web-based service for more than seventy-two hours, the person or entity responsible is assumed to have acted knowingly.
A violation of this section constitutes a felony with a fine of up to $5,000 per day that the prohibited advertisement continues to be posted on the web-based classified service beyond the 72-hour notification period.
How a Solicitation Lawyer in Kansas City Can Help
When facing solicitation charges in Kansas City, it is imperative to have a skilled Missouri criminal defense lawyer by your side to protect your rights and provide effective legal representation.
Here are ways in which a seasoned Kansas City criminal defense lawyer can assist you in such a situation:
- Legal Expertise: Your solicitation lawyer has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and court procedures, and can utilize this knowledge to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.
- Case Evaluation: Your attorney can thoroughly review the details of your case, including the circumstances of the alleged solicitation, the evidence presented by the prosecution, and any mitigating factors, to determine the best approach for your defense.
- Negotiation Skills: A skilled Jackson County criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for a reduction in charges or penalties, or seek alternatives such as diversion programs or probation, in order to minimize the potential impact on your life and future.
- Court Representation: Your lawyer can provide vigorous representation in court, presenting compelling arguments and evidence on your behalf, and challenging the prosecution’s case to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Client Advocacy: Your lawyer will support and advocate for you throughout the legal process, offering guidance, reassurance, and ongoing communication to ensure that you are informed and involved in decisions regarding your defense.
Talk to an Experienced KC Solicitation Lawyer Today
At KC Defense Counsel, we are a dedicated Kansas City-based criminal defense law firm committed to safeguarding the rights, freedom, and reputation of KC residents facing criminal charges.
If you or a loved one are charged with solicitation or patronizing prostitution, and in need of expert legal guidance and representation, don’t hesitate to take action. Call us at 816-287-3787 or submit our contact form to speak with our experienced KC solicitation lawyer and take the first step towards a robust defense strategy. Your future is important, and we are here to help protect it.
