Solicitation Criminal Attorney in Seattle

Real Help for Those Facing Solicitation Charges in Seattle

If you have been accused of solicitation in Seattle, you may feel overwhelmed, fearful, and unsure who to trust. A criminal charge carries not only legal consequences but also risks to your reputation and peace of mind. We understand how isolating it is to navigate these moments.

As solicitation criminal attorneys in Seattle, our priority is to offer immediate, nonjudgmental support. With over 27 years of defending people against similar charges in Seattle, we will personally guide you through each step. From our first confidential conversation, you will receive compassion, honest answers, and real clarity about your options.

You deserve more than a generic defense or an impersonal law firm. We treat every client with respect and discretion, supported by hundreds of five-star reviews from people throughout the area who relied on my guidance. If you want a solicitation criminal attorney who will value your privacy and fight for your future, let's talk.

Facing solicitation charges? Call a dedicated solicitation criminal attorney in Seattle at (206) 207-4776 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free, initial consultation.

Understanding Solicitation of Prostitution Laws in Washington

Under Washington law, solicitation means offering money or something of value in exchange for sexual services. In Seattle, this is usually prosecuted as a misdemeanor or, depending on the situation, a gross misdemeanor. The statute most often involved is RCW 9A.88.110, but the exact charge will depend on your history and where the incident took place, such as within Seattle city limits or elsewhere in King County.

The crime is complete the moment the offer or agreement is made, even if no money changes hands and no physical act occurs. The prosecution must prove that the defendant had the intent to commit the crime and made a clear, unambiguous offer or accepted an offer to pay for sex. This element is central to the entrapment defense.

Penalties for a Solicitation Conviction in Seattle

A conviction for Solicitation of Prostitution in King County carries the following:

• Jail Time: Up to 364 days in county jail.
• Fines: Up to $5,000.
• Mandatory Testing: The court must order the convicted person to undergo mandatory testing and counseling for HIV/AIDS.
• Public Exposure: The defendant’s name and charges are often published by local law enforcement, leading to public exposure and career damage.

The job of a Seattle solicitation defense lawyer is not just to reduce the penalty, but to fight for an outcome—a dismissal or acquittal—that eliminates the conviction and the associated public fallout entirely.

The Seattle Criminal Defense Process for Solicitation of Prostitution

Solicitation cases in Seattle are handled through the King County District Court system. The defense process requires a dedicated focus on discovery, suppression of evidence, and trial readiness.

• Immediate Case Review: We secure all discovery, including police reports, and, critically, the audio and video recordings from the undercover sting operation. This footage is the single most important piece of evidence and often reveals evidence of police misconduct or entrapment.
• Entrapment Investigation: This is the core of the defense. We investigate the methods used by the officer, the persistence of the questioning, and whether the officer went beyond merely providing an opportunity to commit the crime. If the police induced the criminal act, we file motions to dismiss.
• Suppression of Evidence: We look for constitutional violations, such as an unlawful stop, illegal search of a vehicle or phone, or failure to properly administer Miranda warnings. Suppression of key evidence can lead to the dismissal of the charge.
• Negotiation and Trial: We leverage the threat of the entrapment defense and any police misconduct we uncover to negotiate a favorable plea agreement, such as a reduction to a non-sex-related offense (e.g., Disorderly Conduct) or, ideally, a deferred prosecution which leads to dismissal upon completion of probationary terms. If negotiation fails, we are prepared to take the case to trial.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Solicitation of Prostitution Defense

Hale Law Enterprises utilizes 28 years of experience to provide a robust defense focused on challenging the police's tactics and the defendant's mental state. We understand the stigma and work diligently to ensure the case is handled with the highest level of discretion.

• The Entrapment Defense: We prove the "but-for" causation: but for the aggressive, unwarranted actions of the police, the defendant would not have committed the crime. We use the audio/video evidence to show that the officer used repeated attempts, appeals to sympathy, or excessive persuasion to induce the agreement. This is a sophisticated, high-stakes defense that requires an experienced solicitation criminal attorney in Seattle.
• Challenging Intent: We often argue that the defendant's statements were merely "puffing" or idle talk—unwanted sexual bravado that did not constitute the clear intent to enter a criminal transaction. We use the recorded dialogue to highlight ambiguity.
• Protecting Privacy: We aggressively challenge any attempts by the prosecution to use personal digital devices or information outside the scope of the investigation, ensuring your privacy is protected from intrusive government overreach.
• Mitigating Collateral Damage: We prioritize outcomes that avoid the mandatory HIV testing and, most importantly, prevent the conviction from appearing on public databases, protecting your professional and personal reputation.

Why Early Defense Matters: Protecting Your Rights & Future

You can benefit from seeking early legal advice after any allegation of solicitation—not just because the law is complex but because deadlines arrive fast. The sooner we are involved, the more opportunities there are to gather evidence, request records, and pursue defenses before the prosecutor builds their case.

What you should do as soon as possible after a solicitation accusation:

• Do not discuss your case with police or others without legal counsel
• Collect and protect any evidence in your possession
• Make note of where and when the incident occurred
• Contact a defense attorney who knows Seattle’s court process

What Makes Our Solicitation Defense Different

Not all attorneys offer the same commitment. As a solicitation criminal lawyer, Attorney Hale handles your entire case personally. For more than 27 years, he has practiced law right here in Seattle, including representing high-profile solicitation cases that required discretion and in-depth knowledge of the local court system.

Most clients find us through recommendations from people they know or online reviews. When you choose to work with us, you will talk directly to Attorney Hale—not get handed off to someone else. If you prefer to speak Spanish, our team is ready to answer every question in your preferred language.

With over 250 five-star Google reviews, we have helped clients from across Seattle move forward during some of their most stressful moments. Our advice is straightforward, honest, and focused on your best outcome—just as we would want for our own family.

Facing Solicitation Charges in Seattle? Here’s How We Can Help

Solicitation charges in Seattle are taken seriously, and even a first accusation can trigger stress about what lies ahead. Many clients worry about exposure, stigma, and an uncertain future. Most people who contact us have never faced criminal charges before and need clear direction from someone they can trust.

We handle every case with confidentiality and care, never judgment. Your first step is a private, free consultation, where we listen to your side, address your questions, and explain what you can expect. Throughout this process, you always know where your case stands, and we will give you advice that fits your goals and priorities.

The Next Step: Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today

If you want to move forward and protect your future, we invite you to contact our office for a private, confidential consultation. You will speak directly with an attorney who has successfully handled solicitation cases in Seattle for over 27 years. Every conversation is held in strict confidence, with no cost or obligation.

Call (206) 207-4776 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with a solicitation criminal attorney in Seattle. ¡Hablamos español!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I’m arrested for solicitation in Seattle?

After an arrest for solicitation in Seattle, you will typically be processed at a Seattle Police Department station and then either released or held until a court hearing. You will receive documents stating the charges against you and a court date, which usually takes place in Seattle Municipal Court or King County District Court. It is important to pay attention to all deadlines and conditions. Consulting with a solicitation criminal attorney right away can help avoid missed opportunities and make court appearances less daunting. I work with you to ensure every next step is explained and that no key deadlines are missed.

Will my case be kept confidential if I work with you?

Yes, your confidentiality is a top priority. Anything you share with us stays private. While court cases are matters of public record, I take every available step to keep your information discreet and protect your reputation. Many clients choose us because of the trust I have earned handling sensitive cases throughout Seattle.

How are solicitation charges handled in Seattle courts?

Solicitation charges are usually processed in Seattle Municipal Court for incidents within city limits, or King County District Court for other locations. The process generally involves arraignment, pretrial hearings, and possible negotiations with prosecutors. Each step has its own requirements and timing, which can feel overwhelming. Our experience with Seattle court procedures allows us to guide you effectively and anticipate which approaches may work best in your specific situation.

Can you help if I don’t speak English fluently?

Yes. Our team includes both English and Spanish speakers to ensure every client is comfortable and informed. Communication is key to a strong defense, so we encourage you to discuss your preferences during your first conversation with me. Every client deserves clarity, regardless of language.

How soon can I talk directly with Attorney Hale?

When you contact our office, I strive to respond as quickly as possible—often the same day and in urgent cases right away. Every new consultation is handled personally, so you receive the advice and reassurance you need without delay. You will not be passed to anyone else.

What makes your approach to solicitation defense different?

Our approach stands out for personal commitment and longstanding local experience. You will work directly with an attorney who has spent decades in Seattle courtrooms, not with a rotating set of lawyers. I emphasize confidential, honest guidance and a long record of success defending solicitation cases. Our clients often remark on the support and transparency they receive at every stage.

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