An arrest for solicitation and patronizing in Washington State can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure what happens next. These charges carry real legal and personal consequences, and understanding how Washington law treats them is an important first step.
Speaking with an experienced Tacoma sex crimes attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights. Schedule your free consultation today.
How Washington Law Defines Solicitation and Patronizing
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) outlines several statutes that govern solicitation and patronizing offenses:
- RCW 9A.88.030 (Prostitution): This statute defines prostitution as engaging, agreeing, or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee. Sexual conduct refers to sexual intercourse and sexual contact as defined under RCW 9A.44.
- RCW 9A.88.110 (Patronizing a Prostitute): This statute makes it illegal to knowingly engage or attempt to engage in sexual acts with someone involved in prostitution. Generally classified as a misdemeanor, this charge can escalate to a felony under certain circumstances.
- RCW 9.68A.100 (Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor): This law applies when the alleged conduct involves someone under eighteen years old. This is a Class B felony carrying severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.
Penalties for Solicitation and Patronizing a Prostitute in Washington
A first-time conviction for solicitation or patronizing a prostitute is classified as a misdemeanor in Washington, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, the actual consequences often extend beyond these baseline penalties.
Courts frequently impose additional requirements, such as administrative fees, court costs, probation, or participation in court-mandated programs. Repeat offenses or cases involving minors carry substantially harsher penalties, including years of prison time.
Common Defenses to Solicitation and Patronizing Charges
If you are arrested for patronizing a prostitute, you have the right to defend yourself. Several strategies may apply to your case, depending on the circumstances of your arrest:
- Entrapment: This occurs when an officer induces you to commit an act you wouldn’t have otherwise committed. If an undercover officer approached you and pressured you into making an offer, rather than the other way around, you may have grounds for an entrapment defense.
- Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove you knowingly intended to engage in or pay for sexual conduct. If no clear agreement or offer was actually made, your attorney may argue that the necessary intent was not present.
- Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest—through unlawful search and seizure, improper interrogation tactics, or other procedural errors—any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
Speak with a Washington Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Case
A charge for solicitation or patronizing prostitution can have a major impact on your life. Beyond the legal penalties, an arrest alone can threaten your career, your relationships, and your reputation.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz provides discreet, judgment-free representation for individuals facing these charges. Our firm will examine every aspect of your arrest, from the initial contact to the statements made and the methods used by law enforcement, to determine whether your rights were violated and whether the prosecution can actually prove its case. Contact us at (253) 272-8666 for a confidential consultation with our criminal defense attorney in Tacoma, WA.