Solicitation Defense Lawyer in Columbus
Get Skilled Columbus Solicitation Defense Attorneys on Your Side!
It is illegal to engage in any type of solicitation or prostitution in Ohio. If charged with this sex crime, you could face fines, jail time, community service, HIV/AIDS testing, and other penalties. It is crucial that you retain legal counsel from a Columbus solicitation for prostitution lawyer who can protect your reputation during this time!
Ohio laws prohibit the following acts of solicitation:
- Paying another to engage in any sexual act in exchange for services money
- Seeking an individual to engage in sexual acts for money
- Actually engaging in sexual acts with an individual after or with the promise of exchange
This means that you could be charged with a sex crime for simply discussing the possibility with a prostitute. You don't have to actually engage in the act to be accused of a crime. If you face solicitation charges, you should speak with an attorney right away for information about protecting your rights. Our legal team at The Meranda Law Firm LTD can discuss your case and your legal options.
Call (614) 707-4239 to get started with a free initial consultation!
The Growing Danger of Online Solicitation
With the widespread use of computers, online sexual solicitation charges are increasing at a rapid rate. It is a serious felony to solicit sex on the internet, especially when the offense involves minors. Solicitation of a minor for sexual purposes is also known as "importuning" and can often occur in an online chatroom or over social media. Because of the nature of online interaction, this charge is not always a clear-cut matter.
In many cases, an individual may not realize that they are talking with a minor or have been lied to regarding the minor's age. This can create a very tricky situation, making matters even more complex for the defendant. Simply requesting a meeting or attempting to meet with a minor may lead to charges. The key in these cases is the intent of the defendant and their disposition to commit a sex crime.
Most online perpetrators are caught soliciting in sting operations where law enforcement personnel pose as minors to lure in suspects. Even if the defendant believed the individual was an adult, they could still face charges, as it is illegal to solicit sex on the internet. If the accused individual is convicted, penalties can include incarceration, fines, sex offender registration, license suspension, and other repercussions.
The Legality of Sting Operations
Many sting operations take place in the common locations for prostitution activities. The idea is to catch the offenders after the money exchange occurs. In this case, both the prostitute and the client are violating the law. Prosecution usually pursues these cases aggressively. In an eagerness to arrest suspects, law enforcement can make mistakes. A common defense in sting operations is entrapment.
To be considered entrapment, two factors must be involved:
- An officer persuades or induces an individual to commit the crime; and
- That individual would not have committed it without the officer's persuasion.
In light of these laws, simply providing the opportunity for or baiting an individual to commit solicitation is not entrapment and may still validate their charges. Overall, prostitution, pandering, and solicitation are serious sex crimes that can affect an individual for the rest of their lives. At our firm, our Columbus solicitation for prostitution attorneys are discreet, effective, and prepared to take immediate action on your behalf.
Call The Meranda Law Firm LTD today. We understand how prosecutors build their solicitation cases and know how to defend against such serious charges!
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Mr. Meranda does his research! He is very professional and promotes himself and law firm in a great manner. He digs to find the facts and will work hard for you. He makes sure you understand what you are facing and will try to come to the best outcome possible. He is easy to talk to and he tells you “like it is.” He is an upfront, affordable lawyer. I highly recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone who is seeking help.- Anonymous
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I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.- Payton R
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Professional, upfront, attentive, most of all comforting in the fact that the communication was clear. Never a doubt by always respectful. Admired the standard in which the company, more so Zach, displayed. I was so impressed and would if needed use his services again.- Anonymous
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Zach has been a very professional and knowledgeable attorney! Being my first time needing assistance from a law firm, Zach is going above and beyond to help me get what I deserve! I have never met a more down to earth and more understanding person. I definitely recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice and legal help! You will not be let down!- Anonymous
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I hired Mr. Meranda to represent me in a case and he did an excellent job. I am very pleased with the results of the case. Mr. Meranda was very professional and honest. He's is definitely a straight shooter. Thank you Mr. Meranda.- Aaron Jacks
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He is a very good lawyer and always knows what he is talking about. He knows his stuff and no matter how bad the crime is he will get you out of it and he will always give you his all.- Jenna Taynor
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Zach Meranda is very professional and really seemed to care about my case! Very friendly, and explained everything so I understood exactly what was going on. Answered all of my questions and never judged. He was great!!! I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great attorney. Can’t thank him enough.- Anonymous
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We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.- Anonymous
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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Should I be worried if I am innocent?The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.
