Solicitation

Solicitation, or the seeking of a prostitute to perform a sexual act in exchange for money, does not usually carry the multi-year prison sentence and felony-level conviction level of other criminal offenses such as rape and sexual assault.

However, a conviction can come with several embarrassing and sensitive consequences. A person’s most private and intimate affairs can become very public.

If someone is charged with the crime of solicitation, or pandering, in Georgia, it is very important that they handle it the right way, with the guidance of a Cobb County solicitation lawyer. An experienced attorney may be able to provide you with the proper legal representation you deserve.

Solicitation in Georgia is covered by Georgia Code 16-6-12 and is referred to as pandering. Pandering occurs when a person solicits a person to perform an act of prostitution in his or her own behalf or in behalf of a third person or when he or she knowingly assembles persons at a fixed place for the purpose of being solicited by others to perform an act of prostitution.

The way that the statute is phrased, one can imagine a pandering charge arising not just when an individual person seeks out a prostitute.

Charges could also arise when someone organizes a party, such as a bachelor party, where legal activities such as hiring exotic dancers get out of hand. Solicitation can occur between two people of the same sex, and both men and women can be convicted.

Pandering, or solicitation is considered a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature in Georgia. This means a conviction is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. There are consequences beyond potential prison time and fines. Someone convicted of pandering or solicitation will have their conviction and photograph published in the county where they are convicted. If someone receives probation as part of their sentence, they will be required to submit to testing for sexually transmitted diseases.

When pandering involves the solicitation of a minor, the consequences become much greater. A pandering conviction involving someone between 16 and 18 years of age is a felony punishable by a period of between five and 20 years in prison. A pandering conviction involving a minor less than 16 years of age is a felony punishable by between 10 and 30 years in prison. These felony convictions will require registering on the sex offender registry.

There may be defenses available to someone charged with solicitation or pandering, such as seeking dismissal of the charges due to lack of sufficient evidence. First-time offenders may also be eligible for deferred prosecution or a suspended sentence.

Someone charged with the crime of pandering in Georgia needs the guidance of a sensitive and seasoned attorney. Pandering charges can have lifelong, humiliating consequences and have the right advocate can make all the difference. Make sure to speak with a Cobb County solicitation lawyer as soon as possible.