Solicitation Criminal Attorney in New York

Strategic Solicitation Defense Backed By Decades Of Courtroom Experience

When you’re charged with solicitation in New York, navigating the justice system can feel overwhelming. At Raiser and Kenniff, P.C., our solicitation criminal lawyers in New York draw on over a century of collective legal experience and a reputation for hands-on, strategic defense. 

Our unique team of former prosecutors understands how law enforcement and district attorneys assemble solicitation cases, giving us insight to challenge evidence, question procedures, and develop the solutions that work in our clients’ favor. Clients who hire a solicitation criminal attorney in New York from our firm gain access to extensive experience navigating both the city’s complex criminal courts and those in surrounding Long Island jurisdictions. 

The process can involve multiple law enforcement agencies, especially when federal or state laws overlap. Our attorneys are familiar with every step—from arraignment and pre-trial hearings through negotiations or trial—ensuring all details are managed professionally and efficiently.

Facing a serious charge? We are former prosecutors who offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Call (888) 646-0025 or contact us online to speak with a solicitation attorney in New York today.

Understanding Solicitation Laws in New York

In New York, the crime of solicitation is legally defined under the state's Patronizing a Prostitute statute, which is found in New York Penal Law § 230.04. The law states that a person is guilty of patronizing a prostitute when, being 18 years old or older, they knowingly enter or remain in a house of prostitution or a place where prostitution is being conducted with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a person who is a prostitute, or they solicit or request another person to engage in sexual conduct with them in return for a fee. 

The key element here is the exchange of value for a sexual act or an agreement to perform one. It's not necessary for the act to have been completed for a charge to be filed; simply offering or agreeing to perform the act for money is enough.

The laws for promoting prostitution and prostitution are separate and often carry more severe penalties, particularly if minors are involved. The prosecution's case often relies heavily on the testimony of law enforcement officers and recordings from sting operations. As a seasoned New York solicitation lawyer, we will meticulously scrutinize every piece of this evidence, from police reports and bodycam footage to text messages and phone records, to find any inconsistencies or flaws that can be used to your advantage.

Classifications and Degrees of the Offense

In New York, a solicitation offense is typically a misdemeanor. However, the charge can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances, which significantly increases the potential penalties.

• Patronizing a Prostitute (Penal Law § 230.04): This offense, which is also a Class A misdemeanor, applies to a person who solicits or agrees to pay a fee for sexual contact. A conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Aggravated Patronizing a Minor for Prostitution (Penal Law § 230.11 - § 230.13): If the person solicited is under a certain age, the charge is automatically elevated to a felony. For example, a person who patronizes a minor under 17 can be charged with a Class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison. The penalties are even more severe if the minor is younger.
• Promoting Prostitution (Penal Law § 230.20 - § 230.30): This is a more severe offense that can be charged as a felony. It applies to a person who knowingly advances or profits from the prostitution of another person. The severity of the charge and the potential prison time depend on the circumstances, including whether force or coercion was used, and the age of the person being exploited.

The potential for a misdemeanor charge to escalate to a felony is a severe and permanent consequence that a knowledgeable solicitation attorney in New York will take on with the utmost seriousness.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Solicitation Conviction in New York

The direct legal penalties for a solicitation conviction depend on the class of the offense. These can include:

• Incarceration: Jail time, ranging from a few months for a misdemeanor to decades for a serious felony.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Probation: You may be placed on probation, which requires you to adhere to strict conditions set by the court.
• Mandatory Testing: The court may order you to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Forfeiture: In some cases, a vehicle used in the commission of the crime may be subject to forfeiture.