Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland
I was arrrested last night for prostitute solicitation, please help
I was arrested last night for soliciting a prostitute who was really an undercover cop. I was with a friend of mine, we were coming from a bar, he saw a girl on the street and asked me to pull over, i did, he was talking to her about her services, but i stayed quiet and said nothing. We were then arrested. In my report it said that I also wanted her services, my friend will vouch for me that i didnt say that. This is my first offense and i dont know what to do. My arraignment is on 7/23/02. What could happen to me, i am very worried. Someone please respond. Thank you.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: I was arrrested last night for prostitute solicitation, please help
All is not lost. Do not discuss the case with anyone but a lawyer. Contact a lawyer immediately. You can call me at 410-828-9363.
Re: I was arrrested last night for prostitute solicitation, please help
First, you may have a defense to the solicitation charge since your were not actively involved in procuring services. However, the State will most likely argue that your friend was seeking services for the both of you with your knowledge and consent. Thus, the testimony and facts developed at trial will be critical. Since this is your first offense, jail is unlikely even if your are found guilty, and depending on the state's attorney and judge there are certain diversionary and probationary programs that if successfully completed would allow you to avoid a criminal record. If you have any further questions you can call me at (301) 838-8950
Re: I was arrrested last night for prostitute solicitation, please help
The arraignment is not the trial. You should be at
the arraignment and plead not guilty, and then you
will get a trial date. By that time, you should have
gotten an attorney with strong criminal law experience
who can help you.
Under these circumstances, the matter might not even
come to trial, especially in your case. Also, if this
is a first offense, there are various ways of dealing
with the charge, especially since you contend you were
involved tangentially. They could include a stet or a
P.B.J. or even a nolle pross. Even a guilty finding might
not result in jail time, depending on the overall
circumstances and any recommendation by the State.
You cannot have the same lawyer as your friend, if your
friend gets one. Your "interests" may conflict if this
matter comes to court. The charge is not extreme, and
it being a first offense is in your favor in terms of
disposition alternatives. But do not take chances.
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