Solicitation Attorney in Tempe, AZ
Many people believe that the state’s prostitution laws only punish those who offer sex in exchange for money. However, law enforcement can also arrest those on the other side of this transaction. If a police officer believes you intend to pay something of value in exchange for any form of sexual activity, you need a Tempe solicitation lawyer to fight your charges for soliciting sexual services under state prostitution statutes or Tempe municipal codes.
For a free legal consultation with a solicitation lawyer serving Tempe, call 480-400-5555
THE STATE’S PROSTITUTION LAW AND HOW IT RELATES TO SOLICITATION
There is no statute under state law with the title of “solicitation.” Instead, law enforcement officials and prosecutors can use the state’s prostitution statute to pursue criminal charges. According to Arizona Revised Statute § 13-3214, it is illegal to have sex with another person in exchange for money. In addition, the statute also prohibits:
- Having sex in exchange for anything of value
- Arranging to participate in a prostitution exchange
- Having any kind of sexual contact with another in exchange for money or an item of value
A solicitation arrest can result from various scenarios. Regardless of the circumstances that led to an arrest, a conviction can have severe consequences. Although the law defines prostitution as a class 1 misdemeanor, it also states that judges trying these cases must sentence a convicted person to no less than 15 years in jail. It is crucial for those accused of solicitation in Tempe to take the charges seriously and work with an experienced lawyer to mount a defense.
Tempe Solicitation Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
TEMPE CITY ORDINANCES ALSO PROHIBIT THE SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTES
While state law does not provide a specific prohibition on the solicitation of prostitutes, local police and prosecutors may choose to make arrests and pursue charges under a local ordinance. Tempe City Ordinance § 22-1 states that it is illegal for any person to solicit or hire another person to commit an act of prostitution. Furthermore, it is also unlawful for a person to enter any room, hotel, or other location to engage in sexual activity with a prostitute.
These differences can have a profound impact on a case. For example, courts hearing charges under a local ordinance cannot impose a mandatory minimum sentence upon conviction like in state cases. A skilled local attorney could argue that state law does not apply to the alleged solicitation and force a prosecutor to file charges under a local ordinance. This could help to reduce the potential penalties for a conviction.
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Why You Should Hire a Solicitation Lawyer?
If you are facing solicitation charges, your first course of action should be to hire a solicitation lawyer. Representation from a Tempe solicitation attorney ensures that your rights are protected and you understand the potential outcomes of your case and the solicitation penalties you may be facing. Arizona’s solicitation penalties carry serious consequences, but the burden of proof is on prosecutors to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Your lawyer can gather new evidence to support your defense while negotiating favorable terms for resolving your charges for soliciting sexual services. They can review witness statements to identify inconsistencies and consider whether you were entrapped by law enforcement. If needed, they can take your case to trial to see that you are exonerated. At all times, your lawyer can provide you with the trusted advice and guidance you need to see your case through.
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Must-Know Defense Strategies
Nearly 70 prostitution arrests along Phoenix’s 27th Avenue corridor in November 2025 sparked debate after advocates said most arrestees are trafficking victims. These crimes occur in neighborhoods like North Tempe, Maple-Ash, and Peterson Park, where police frequently run targeted operations.
Effective defense strategies can include:
- Arguing a lack of clear intent
- Attacking undercover sting tactics that pressured, steered, or coerced the suspect
- Questioning the reliability of messages that may be incomplete or taken out of context
- Demonstrating entrapment
- Highlighting constitutional violations such as unlawful detention or improper searches
Arizona now has over 12,000 convicted sex offenders on its registry, and trafficking concerns continue to shape how prosecutors build cases. In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline documented 9,619 potential cases involving 16,999 suspected victims.
FAQs
What Qualifies as Solicitation Under Arizona Law?
Under Arizona law, solicitation is the act of intentionally seeking sexual favors. As it relates to prostitution, solicitation usually means that one party offers money or something of value in exchange for sexual acts. A sexual act does not have to occur for the elements of an offense to be met. Simply requesting sexual favors in return for payment is enough to be charged.
What Is the Difference Between a State Solicitation Charge and a Tempe Municipal Ordinance Violation?
A state solicitation charge is filed under Arizona’s criminal statutes and carries harsher penalties, including higher fines and mandatory classes. A Tempe municipal ordinance violation is handled by the Tempe Municipal Court and is treated as a lower-level offense. Police often choose municipal charges for sting operations because the city ordinance is easier to prove, but either type of offense can affect a convicted person’s record.
What Are the Penalties for a First Solicitation Offense in Tempe?
The penalties for a first-time solicitation offense in Tempe depend on what specific charge you are facing and whether it is through a state criminal law or local ordinance. State-level charges carry more severe consequences, including higher fines and the possibility of jail time depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Judges in Maricopa County also frequently order Court-mandated classes and other conditions before closing the case.
Can a Solicitation Charge Be Dropped or Reduced?
A solicitation charge can be dropped or reduced when the evidence is weak or when police sting tactics raise questions about entrapment or violations of constitutional rights. An attorney can examine the evidence and how you were arrested to find missteps on the part of the investigation or prosecution that can be leveraged to support your defense. Legal representation can play a crucial role in protecting your rights and interests.
CONTACT A TEMPE SOLICITATION ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION
If you are facing accusations related to the solicitation of a prostitute, it is critical that you understand what a prosecutor must prove to obtain a conviction, what penalties you face, and how a state charge differs from an alleged violation of a local ordinance. The simple fact is that any attempt to solicit a prostitute is illegal. However, there may be many available defense strategies depending on the circumstances of your arrest.
At Grand Canyon Law Group, our former prosecutors, now dedicated defense attorneys, know how to handle your case the right way. A Tempe solicitation lawyer can dispute whether an encounter occurred, argue that a meet-up was for a consensual encounter, or even challenge the classification of charges to decrease the potential penalties. Contact us today to set up a private consultation about your case.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form