Syracuse Solicitation Lawyer

Syracuse, New York

Just as the state of New York criminalizes the act of selling sex for money, so too does the state criminalize the purchasing of sex for money. In fact, depending on the facts of the case, the penalties may be greater for a buyer than they are for the seller.

Basic solicitation is a misdemeanor-level offense. However, depending on the age of the person solicited, the charge—and any ensuing penalties—may quickly become more serious. A Syracuse solicitation lawyer could work with you to defend your rights, protect your reputation, and present a powerful defense in court.

The Definition of Solicitation in Syracuse

Nothing in New York Penal Law explicitly establishes solicitation of prostitution as a unique crime by itself. However, the concept of purchasing sex for money is illegal under New York Penal Law §230.04, which defines such an act as patronizing a person for prostitution in the third degree.

This basic definition applies to all acts involving the purchasing of sex for money. However, depending on the age of the person involved in the sexual act in question, the offense of patronizing could become much more serious.

Under New York Penal Law §230.05, if the seller of the sex is under the age of fifteen, the level of the crime is raised to patronizing in the second degree. If the seller is under the age of eleven, the crime is patronizing in the first degree according to New York Penal Law §230.06.

Potential Punishments

The severity of an allegation of solicitation depends on the level of patronizing charge. Patronizing in the third degree is a misdemeanor-level offense. This means that a conviction could result in a jail term of up to one year.

Patronizing in the second degree rises to a class E felony offense, which means that a conviction could result in a maximum prison term of up to four years. Finally, patronizing in the first degree is a class D felony offense punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Defenses Encoded in New York Penal Law

It may be important to note that New York Penal Law §230.07 provides a potential defense to allegations of patronizing a minor. If a defendant can prove in court that they had a legitimate reason to believe the seller of the sex was an adult, the charges may be reduced in severity.

As with any defense provided by law, it is the responsibility of the defendant to introduce this evidence at trial. A solicitation lawyer in Syracuse could help you determine if this defense is applicable to your case and gather evidence to present that defense in court.

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K.F.

Tully Rinckey PLLC's professionalism put me right at ease. They had all charges against me dropped! I truly felt they earned my whole retainer and they even sent me back what was not used. I did not feel overcharged by Tully Rinckey PLLC at all. Their hard work kept me from getting a criminal record that would have affected me for the rest of my life. For this I am grateful. I have never been in trouble in my entire life. Getting arrested, being put in jail and losing my job, changed me to the core. Because of all the hard work done by them, I have a new life to live. For that, I cannot ever thank them enough!

E.K.

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I contacted Tully Rinckey PLLC for representation and upon doing so, obtained Derrick Hogan as my attorney. Derrick was extremely comforting through the entire process and I was treated with dignity and respect right from the beginning. Derrick was very supportive and shared information with me every step of the way. I personally feel that Tully Rinckey hit a home run with putting Derrick Hogan on its team. Selecting Tully Rinckey was the right choice for me and I highly recommend both Derrick and the firm for anyone seeking professional representation.

K.L.

Derrick was a true professional and treated me and my case with dedication and respect. Everything he promised, he delivered. My case was handled with 100% satisfaction.

M.M.

Syracuse Solicitation Lawyer

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The Definition of Solicitation in Syracuse

Potential Punishments

Defenses Encoded in New York Penal Law

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