Getting charged with solicitation of a prostitute in California is a deeply personal and potentially humiliating experience. But here’s the truth that often gets lost in the headlines: you are innocent until proven guilty. Under the law, you have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a strong, fair defense. Simmons & Wagner is here to make sure you get exactly that.
Understanding Solicitation Charges in California
Under California Penal Code §647(b), it is a crime to solicit—or agree to engage in—sexual activity in exchange for money or something of value. What many people don’t realize is that:
- You don’t have to actually engage in any sexual act to be charged.
- Even implying agreement or discussing payment can result in solicitation charges.
- Law enforcement often use sting operations, where undercover officers pose as sex workers and record conversations.
Unfortunately, these tactics can result in misunderstandings or people being caught up in situations they never intended to be in.
Common Misunderstandings That Lead to Charges
Many of our clients never intended to break the law. Here’s how it often happens:
- A flirtatious conversation is misinterpreted during a sting operation.
- Someone is falsely accused after a disagreement or personal dispute.
- A person is misidentified, or their words are taken out of context.
- The accused didn’t understand the legal definition of “solicitation.”
It’s easy to feel ashamed or overwhelmed, but remember: accusation is not conviction.
Caught in a Sting Operation? You Still Have Rights
Sting operations are one of the most common ways people are charged with solicitation—and they’re often more aggressive than people realize. In these setups, law enforcement officers pose as sex workers and attempt to catch individuals in the act of agreeing to an exchange. But just because you were part of a sting doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty.
In fact, these cases can be highly defensible. Simmons & Wagner will examine whether:
- You were coerced or pressured into making statements you otherwise wouldn’t have made
- The officer’s actions crossed the line into entrapment
- The communication was too vague or ambiguous to meet the legal threshold for solicitation
- The evidence was collected improperly, violating your constitutional rights
As former prosecutors, we know exactly how sting cases are built—and where they fall apart. Whether it’s challenging the officer’s credibility, uncovering procedural errors, or proving lack of intent, we’ll fight to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protect your future.
What Are Your Legal Options?
If you’ve been charged with solicitation, working with a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Orange County can make all the difference. At Simmons & Wagner, we’ve helped clients:
- Get charges dismissed due to lack of evidence or entrapment
- Negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing such as diversion programs
- Avoid the social and professional damage of a sex crime conviction
- Challenge the legality of the sting operation if your rights were violated
We’ll analyze every detail of your case—from the officer’s conduct to your own statements—and build a defense tailored to your specific situation.
Why Simmons & Wagner?
We know what you’re going through because we’ve been on both sides of the courtroom. As former Orange County District Attorneys, we’ve prosecuted these very charges—and now, we use that insight to defend people like you.
We don’t judge. We don’t shame. We fight. And we never forget that everyone deserves a defense.
If you’ve been accused of solicitation, don’t speak to anyone before speaking to us. Contact Simmons & Wagner today to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.