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The state imposes harsh penalties upon those found guilty of soliciting prostitutes. These severe penalties and the collateral damage from being charged can change the course of your life. If you or a loved one are facing prosecution for this crime, you may need the professional advice and experience of a Ringgold solicitation lawyer. A skilled criminal attorney may be able to help you avoid the most stringent punishments and keep your life on track.
All activities relating to prostitution are illegal under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §§ 16-6-9 through 16-6-12. These code sections outlaw engaging in, requesting, offering, or arranging a sexual encounter in exchange for money. Criminal solicitation, also called pandering in O.C.G.A. § 16-6-12, occurs when a person asks another to engage in prostitution with them or someone else.
Pandering focuses on the inquiry and related discussions rather than completing the act. A person can potentially face criminal charges even if the sexual encounter never occurred and no payment was exchanged.
Frequent targets of undercover police operations are online chat rooms and sex forums. The fact that the suspect never meets up with the other person or that the person on the other end of the conversation never intended to fulfill the act is irrelevant. A violation of Section 16-6-12 may occur if discussions cover the cost of services, locations, and other details about sexual meetings.
Solicitation attorneys in Ringgold understand the discretion required when handling these cases and balance that demand with the need to respond to these serious allegations effectively.
O.C.G.A. § 16-6-13 distinguishes between first-time and repeat offenders. Those convicted for the first time commit misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature. As laid out in O.C.G.A. § 17-10-4, the punishments for such crimes are a maximum fine of $5000 and no more than one year in jail. The Code categorizes subsequent violations as felonies, which carry incarceration terms of one to 10 years.
Additionally, certain aggravating circumstances may intensify sentences. Solicitation occurring within 1,000 feet of an area frequented by children increases fines to $2500. If the situation involves a minor or human trafficking, the penalties imposed may include imprisonment for five to 30 years and fines up to $100,000. With so much on the line, those accused of pandering in Ringgold need experienced counsel to help craft a convincing defense.
An individual’s personal life is likely to experience great upheaval once the charges or conviction becomes public. Even if never substantiated with a conviction or guilty plea, accusations alone may alter a person’s life by besmirching their reputation and damaging personal and professional relationships.
After a conviction, it will not be easy to mask the situation. Authorities have the right to publish news of the conviction with other legal notices, and the court could require the guilty party to submit the results of a sexually transmitted disease test to their spouse.
Pandering is not something you want on your record, so talk to an experienced Ringgold solicitation lawyer to understand the charges you face, review possible penalties, and devise a robust defense. Dedicated attorneys have vast experience, deep knowledge of the law, and your best interests at heart. Call soon to protect your future.