Solicitation of a Prostitute in Minnesota

[Jamesron]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota

I was charged with solication of a prostitute in public place(hotel) gross misdemeanor. It was a sting operation. The only evidence is few texts and forth. First offense since I have clean record. nver broke the law or come close to it...Is it Good idea to hire private attorney or public defender. And is there a jail time for this offense for first offende? Any chance of winning this or settle for plea agrement.

[free9man]

If you can afford to hire a private attorney, you likely won't qualify for a public defender. Consulting an attorney would be the least you should do since you are facing a criminal charge.

[Jamesron]

If you can afford to hire a private attorney, you likely won't qualify for a public defender. Consulting an attorney would be the least you should do since you are facing a criminal charge.

Thanks...I will....Is there jail time for this?

[free9man]

Thanks...I will....Is there jail time for this?

Highly unlikely unless prostitution is a big issue in your area, in which case prosecutors might try and make examples of people. Probably just a combination of fines, court costs and probation. A defense attorney in the area would be familiar with the likely outcome.

[Jamesron]

Highly unlikely unless prostitution is a big issue in your area, in which case prosecutors might try and make examples of people. Probably just a combination of fines, court costs and probation. A defense attorney in the area would be familiar with the likely outcome.

The 2 private Attorney’s I talked to, right away away said that “ I can assure you now that you won’t face jail time for this” right way when consulting..by I was I reading news article saying; man pleaded guilty and was sentenced 90 days of jail time”... that got me confused. Is it because he has prior records? MAybe I guess

[LegalWriter]

The statute is 609.324 and it looks like as a first offense, gross misdemeanor, you only have to pay a fine of at least $1,500 and no jail time but possibly community service.

[asa_jim]

$1500 only applies if there is a prior within 2 years. Otherwise it's $500. That's fairly light. In my state he'd also have to be tested for STDs and take an HIV class.

[Jamesron]

The statute is 609.324 and it looks like as a first offense, gross misdemeanor, you only have to pay a fine of at least $1,500 and no jail time but possibly community service.

Thats what the lawyers I talked said too..but how I come I was reading something on the new the other day saying a man pleaded guilty and was sentenced for 90 days in jail and fine for prostitution sting, gross misdemeanor ...is it because of their priors...I’m just curious

Sorry for asking many questions..Is there a difference between a prostitute( the female) and the customer of a prostitute interms of sentencing...The two below paragraphs say different sentencing

Penalties for customers of adult prostitutes depend on the prostitution location and prior offenses.

In a public place, the offender must pay a fine of at least $1,500 (this can be converted to community service if the person is low-income and the fine would create an undue hardship for the person or his or her family)
In a private place, the fine is a minimum of $500
With a prior prostitution related conviction within 2 years of the current conviction, the offender must pay $1,500 and do 20 hours of community service


And

Penalties for prostitutes also depend on where the activity occurred and prior convictions:

For engaging in prostitution or being hired in public with a person 18 or older, the crime is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by at most 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
For being hired, offering to be hired, or agreeing to sex not in a public place, the crime is a misdemeanor that can be penalized by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
With a prior prostitution conviction, this crime is also a gross misdemeanor.
Loitering in a public place to participate in prostitution is also a misdemeanor.