A conviction for solicitation can seriously threaten a person’s future as well as his or her reputation. If you were picked up by law enforcement for solicitation, calling a Nebraska solicitation lawyer as soon as possible may mean you’re more prepared to fight the charges when your day in court is here.
A skilled defense lawyer from Berry Law can fight these allegations from the beginning. With their help, you may be able to protect what matters most, your rights, freedoms, and reputation.
Solicitation Charges in Nebraska
Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-801.01 defines solicitation as seeking sexual acts from someone in exchange for money or anything else of value. Whether the offense is charged as a felony or misdemeanor depends on several factors such as whether the alleged act was a first offense or a repeat.
A first arrest for solicitation of prostitution may be charged as a Class I misdemeanor, requiring the person to pay a minimum fine of $250. In contrast, a person who has prior convictions for the solicitation of a prostitute can be charged with a Class IV felony.
A Class IV felony conviction for the solicitation of prostitution may result in a fine of $500 or greater, probation, and the Court may require that he or she attend classes on the effects of prostitution.
When an Offense Involves a Minor
In Nebraska the solicitation of a minor who is less than 18 years old is an obviously more serious crime. Even if it’s a first-time indictment, they still may face Class IV felony charges. If he or she is convicted, the consequences may include a penalty of $500 or more, as well as probation.
Similar to the penalties discussed above for repeat offenders, if someone receives probation for the solicitation of a minor, the court may also order that they undergo a mental health and substance abuse assessment, which would be conducted by a licensed mental health or substance abuse professional. A solicitation lawyer in Nebraska can help to understand the potential outcomes and work to defend your case in order to restore your reputation.
Nebraska Solicitation Entrapment Defense
Depending on the circumstances, a solicitation attorney in Nebraska might raise the defense of entrapment. If the party who was allegedly solicited was a member of law enforcement or was working for their benefit, it can be argued that they “entrapped” the alleged defendant.
A defense of entrapment may work successfully if the accused person can demonstrate they were persuaded into committing the solicitation when they had no predisposition to otherwise do so. A capable attorney can examine the specific circumstances and determine whether this is an option.
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Get Help from a Nebraska Solicitation Attorney
The repercussions of a solicitation offense in Nebraska can follow you around for the rest of your life.
Therefore, if you have been arrested for the solicitation, do not wait to reach out for help. Call Berry Law today for a confidential case evaluation with one of our experienced solicitation defense attorneys to discuss your options.