Soliciting Arrests In Fort Walton Beach & Destin
Criminal Defense Attorney For Prostitution Sting Arrests in Okaloosa County
Local law enforcement throughout Okaloosa County set up multiple sex stings each year, targeting individuals in the Fort Walton Beach and Destin areas. But Fort Walton Beach Police engage in more undercover prostitution stings than any other law enforcement groups in the area.
Some of those arrested are locals, some are tourists, and nearly all are men. Many times these police officers will use women facing criminal charges themselves to pose as prostitutes, trying to lure men to certain motels and specific rooms where cameras and microphones are waiting.
What is Soliciting For The Purpose of Prostitution or A Lewd or Indecent Act?
Florida Statute §796.07 defines prostitution as the giving or receiving sexual acts in exchange for money with the exception of spouses. A lewd act is an indecent, inappropriate act committed in a lustful, licentious way with sensual or sexual intentions.
Sexual activity is handling and/or fondling of another for sexual pleasure and penetration or union of another’s sexual organ or any object. Penetration can be anal, vaginal or oral.
What Are Elements Of The Charge For Solicitation For The Purpose Of Prostitution?
In order to prove soliciting for the purpose of prostitution the state must prove that the defendant, offered, or agreed to pay money in order to procure a sexual or lewd or indecent act. If the defendant is found guilty of soliciting the state has the burden of proving, beyond reasonable doubt if it was a minor that had been solicited and not charged in the case.
What Are The Penalties For Solicitation?
A first offense is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 60 days. The second offense is a first degree felony punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a third offense is a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
If you need help after and arrest for Soliciting In Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or elsewhere in Okaloosa County, call Lupella & Rehr at (850) 362-6655.