Being charged with solicitation can be an overwhelming experience that threatens your reputation, career, and more. These charges carry serious legal consequences and social stigma that can follow you long after your case concludes. If you are facing solicitation charges, you need representation from an experienced Albuquerque solicitation lawyer who understands both the law and the sensitivity required to handle these cases discreetly and effectively.
At Duran & McDonald, our criminal attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against solicitation and other sex crime charges. We understand New Mexico criminal law and are committed to protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Under state sex crime laws, solicitation of prostitution occurs when someone offers, agrees to, or engages in sexual conduct in exchange for money or other compensation. Solicitation charges can arise from various actions, including:
Law enforcement agencies regularly conduct undercover operations targeting solicitation, often using decoy advertisements online or officers posing as sex workers in known areas. Many people charged with solicitation have no criminal history and never imagined they would face arrest. If you have been arrested and charged with solicitation, you should engage an experienced Albuquerque defense lawyer to assess the circumstances of your arrest.
In New Mexico, solicitation is typically charged as a petty misdemeanor for first-time offenders, with criminal penalties including up to six months in jail, fines of up to $500, probation, mandatory community service, and court-ordered counseling or education programs. However, the potential consequences extend far beyond the criminal penalties.
Collateral consequences may include:
For repeat offenses, penalties increase significantly, and charges may be elevated to misdemeanor or even felony charges, particularly if the case involves allegations of soliciting minors. A skilled defense attorney could make all the difference in mitigating the penalties you face for solicitation and protecting your reputation in Albuquerque and beyond.
Solicitation cases are often more defensible than many people realize. At Duran & McDonald, our lawyers investigate every aspect of your case to identify the strongest possible defense strategies.
If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not otherwise have committed, entrapment may provide a valid defense. Our attorneys scrutinize police tactics to determine whether Albuquerque officers crossed legal boundaries during undercover solicitation operations.
The prosecution must prove you intended to exchange money for sexual acts. Misunderstandings, unclear communications, or ambiguous conversations may demonstrate a lack of criminal intent.
The state must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. We challenge weak evidence, unreliable testimony, and gaps in the prosecution’s case.
If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights through illegal searches or your Fifth Amendment rights during questioning, we could move to suppress evidence, which may result in case dismissal.
Simply talking to someone or being in an area known for prostitution does not constitute solicitation. We demonstrate when no actual agreement to exchange money for sexual acts occurred.
If you have been charged with solicitation, time is critical. Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The sooner we begin working on your defense, the more prepared we are to protect your rights and achieve favorable results.
Do not let a solicitation charge define your future. Contact Duran & McDonald today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Albuquerque solicitation lawyer. We are ready to support you and help you move forward with your life.
