If you have been arrested for sexual solicitation/solicitation of prostitution in Washington, DC you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Some DC solicitation lawyers will provide you with a free no-obligation consultation.  While you are legally allowed to represent yourself, it is much easier for your lawyer to speak to the government on your behalf than if you try and do it by yourself. In addition to the fact that the government does not generally negotiate with an unrepresented defendant, an experienced DC solicitation lawyer will also serve as your guide through the whole uncomfortable process and make life much easier.  From simple things such knowing where to go to more complex issues such as knowing what to say, your stress level is often much lower when you have an attorney.

At this time, I think it would make sense to take a closer look at solicitation of prostitution charges in Washington, DC and the potential penalties.

According to the DC City Council, the maximum penalty for solicitation of prostitution is 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 for a first offense.

For a second offense of solicitation, DC law provides for a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 180 days.

For a third offense of soliciting for prostitution, the DC Code, allows for a maximum of 2 years in prison and/or a $4,000 fine.  If you were to actually receive the full sentence, you would be required to serve time in federal prison instead of DC jail.  In DC, as a general rule, adult defendants who are sentenced to up to one year serve the sentence at the DC Central Detention Facility (DC Jail) located in SE DC.  If the sentence is greater than one year, the defendant will eventually be transferred into federal custody and flown to Oklahoma City for initial classification.

Even if this is the first time you were ever arrested for solicitation of prostitution in the District of Columbia, and it is unlikely you will face such severe penalties, you may be more concerned about your wife or employer finding out about the charges.  There is no doubt that being arrested for attempting to pay for sex is a very sensitive issue that you want to keep as confidential as possible.  Your lawyer can often help to minimize your criminal record, and work with the government to lessen the chance of someone finding out about the unfortunate incident.  You lawyer can also discuss the possible of eventually having your record sealed or expunged. There may be a lot that can be done to prevent a conviction if you act quickly.  Whether you were arrested by undercover officer that stopped you while driving, or responding to an ad in DC Backpage for an escort, this one quick lapse in sound judgment does not mean that your marriage, personal life, or career are over.  As I tell my clients, is important to keep in mind that an arrest is not a conviction.