This is the first post in a series of articles regarding defending against solicitation charges in Peoria, Illinois. Under Illinois law, a person who requests the performance of a sexual act in exchange for money or other items of intrinsic value has committed solicitation of prostitution. This offense carries not only serious criminal penalties, but long-lasting personal consequences as well. The goal in this series is to discuss common defenses and the importance of engaging an experienced attorney to vigorously defend your interests. If you or someone you love has been accused of solicitation, contact my office today to speak to a lawyer.
In this series, we will discuss the following topics:
- Search and seizure issues in solicitation charges
- Criminal as well as other consequences for solicitation charges and convictions
- Expunging a prostitution or solicitation conviction
It is important to address these issues for a variety of reasons. First, law enforcement officials aggressively approach solicitation crimes. It is not uncommon for the evidence offered by the police to have been obtained through a violation of the suspect’s Fourth Amendment rights. Understanding how this may be a defense will be important. Second, it goes without saying that there are criminal penalties associated with a conviction for solicitation. The non-criminal consequences stemming from the stigma of such a charge can be equally devastating. Presenting a solid defense to solicitation charges will be essential. Third, for obvious reasons, if one is convicted of solicitation or prostitution, it will be important to understand if and when a conviction may be expunged from a criminal record.
Given the serious penalties, both criminal and personal, that could result from a solicitation charge or conviction, it is imperative to engage a criminal attorney to defend your interests. If you or someone you know has been arrested, contact my office today to speak with a Peoria defense lawyer. My office also represents clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.