Being charged with solicitation in Kansas City is overwhelming, embarrassing, and often confusing. Many people have no idea what the charge really means, what penalties they’re facing, or how to protect themselves.

Whether the charge came from an undercover sting, an online interaction, or a traffic stop that escalated, the most important step you can take is understanding what comes next and getting a lawyer immediately.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Missouri solicitation defense attorneys want you to understand what you’re facing. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been charged with solicitation in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri.

1. What exactly is solicitation under Missouri law?

Solicitation, often charged as prostitution-related solicitation, involves offering, agreeing, or attempting to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money or something of value.

In Kansas City, solicitation can be charged based on:

A conversation with an undercover officer
Text messages or online chats
Social media communications
Actions interpreted as “intent to solicit”
Being in an area known for prostitution during an investigation

Missouri law doesn’t require money to change hands — even a conversation can result in a charge if police believe there was an “offer or agreement.” That’s why these cases are so fact-sensitive and so defensible.

2. Is solicitation a misdemeanor or felony?

Most first-time solicitation charges in Kansas City are Class B misdemeanors, carrying up to:

6 months in jail
$1,000 in fines
Court costs
Mandatory assessments or probation

However, the charge can escalate to a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) or even a felony if aggravating factors are involved — such as prior offenses, involvement of a minor, or online exploitation stings.

The right Kansas City defense attorney can often negotiate the charge down, seek diversion programs, or fight to get the case dismissed entirely.

3. Will I have to go to court for a solicitation charge?

Yes — but your lawyer may be able to appear for you in many circumstances, depending on the court and the severity of the case.

Kansas City municipal and state courts both handle solicitation charges. Your attorney can:

Enter a plea on your behalf
Handle pre-trial conferences
Negotiate with prosecutors
Request discovery (police reports, undercover recordings, body cam footage)

For many clients, the lawyer handles everything — sparing you from walking into court alone or speaking directly to a judge or prosecutor.

4. What happens if the charge came from an undercover sting?

Undercover solicitation operations are common in Kansas City. But these cases often involve:

Entrapment issues
Ambiguous conversations
No clear offer of money
Misinterpretation of intent
Poor-quality recordings
Officers who initiate or escalate the conversation

Your lawyer can challenge the stop, the communication, the officer’s actions, and even the legality of the sting. Many of these cases fall apart once the evidence is scrutinized.

5. Will a solicitation conviction show up on background checks?

Yes — and this is one of the biggest reasons to fight the charge. A conviction is public and will appear on:

Employment background checks
Professional licensing screenings
Security clearance reviews
Housing applications

Solicitation is a stigmatizing offense, and one that potential employers take very seriously. The good news? A skilled Kansas City defense attorney can often negotiate dismissals, amendments, or diversion programs to keep your record clean.

6. Can a lawyer get my solicitation charge dismissed or reduced?

Often, yes. Defense strategies may include:

Challenging the legality of the stop or arrest
Arguing that no agreement or offer was made
Demonstrating entrapment
Showing lack of intent
Questioning the credibility of undercover officers
Negotiating alternative outcomes like counseling, diversion, or probation

Many solicitation cases are winnable, and prosecutors are often open to negotiation — especially for first-time offenders.

7. What should I do immediately after being charged?

Do not speak to police, investigators, or prosecutors. Do not explain, apologize, or attempt to “clear things up.” Anything you say will be used against you. Instead:

Remain silent.
Contact an experienced Kansas City defense lawyer immediately.
Gather any texts, messages, emails, or information related to the incident.
Avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney.

The earlier a lawyer steps in, the better the chances of reducing or eliminating the charge.

PROTECT YOUR RECORD. PROTECT YOUR FUTURE. CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL

Solicitation charges carry heavy consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone. At KC Defense Counsel our affordable Missouri solicitation attorneys defend clients across Kansas City, helping them avoid convictions, clear their records, and navigate this stressful situation with discretion and professionalism.

If you’ve been accused of a crime in Kansas City, time is not on your side. You need a skilled criminal defense attorney who knows how to act fast. At KC Defense Counsel, we immediately begin investigating your case, preserving evidence, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims. We know that even minor charges can have major consequences for your job, your reputation, and your freedom.

That’s why our experienced Missouri criminal defense lawyers fight tirelessly to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible. From misdemeanors to serious felonies, we’ve helped thousands of clients take back control of their lives.

Contact KC Defense Counsel now for a free consultation with a trusted Kansas City criminal defense lawyer who will fight for you every step of the way.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.