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Solicitation of Prostitution Online

Even when done online, solicitation of prostitution is illegal and carries harsh consequences.

When many people think of prostitution, they may think of someone standing on a street corner. Or, they may think of the massage parlors they have heard about on the news. These are some ways people engage in the acts of solicitation and prostitution, but there are many other forms of contact available, too. Today, many people go online to offer prostitution or to solicit those services. The most common forms of prostitution and solicitation online are escort services, personal websites, and personal ads. Additionally, people sometimes go into chat rooms or forums to explicitly solicit sex online.

No matter where a person was at the time of an arrest, it is crucial they speak with an Atlanta prostitution defense lawyer who can build a solid case for them.

Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution in Georgia Defined

The law views all cases of solicitation of prostitution the same, regardless of whether it took place online or between two people who were face-to-face. Prostitution is defined in O.C.G.A., section 16-6-9.

This section of code defines prostitution as performing, offering to perform, or agreeing to perform a sexual act for money or other items of value. Within the code, pimping, pandering, and keeping a place of prostitution are all also considered against the law.

Solicitation of prostitution occurs when a person solicits, requests, commands, or otherwise tries to convince a person to engage in sexual acts. Even if the other person refuses, and no money or assets are exchanged, a person can still be considered guilty of solicitation if they attempted to have someone else perform a sexual act for something of value.

Penalties for Solicitation of Prostitution Online

Whether the solicitation happened out on Atlanta’s streets or somewhere online, the penalties remain the same. Prostitution in Georgia is considered a misdemeanor. As such, solicitation of prostitution is also a misdemeanor. The solicitation of prostitution becomes a felony when the person being solicited is a child under the age of 18.

Penalties for a misdemeanor charge of solicitation involve a jail term of up to one year, and a $1,000 fine. A felony charge could result in between ten and thirty years in prison, and a much higher fine.

Georgia police are aggressively pursuing those who go online to solicit prostitution. They are often involved in undercover operations, which are much easier online when people are not meeting face-to-face during their first encounter.

It is important to understand that even when a person does not know the identity of the person they are attempting to solicit, they can still be charged with the crime. Stating that the sexual acts were never going to occur because the other person was law enforcement is unfortunately not a defense to this crime.

Charged with Solicitation? Call Our Georgia Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

Solicitation of prostitution online is a serious crime in Georgia, even if nothing ever came from it. If you are facing charges, you need the help of our Atlanta criminal defense attorneys. At Ghanayem & Rayasam, we know the law and the defenses to crimes such as solicitation. We will use that knowledge and our many years of experience to prepare a solid defense for you so you have the best chance of retaining your freedom. Call us today at (404) 561-0202 to learn more about how we can help with your case.