St. Paul Solicitation Defense Lawyer

Trusted Legal Representation for Solicitation Charges in St. Paul, MN

If you’ve been charged with solicitation in St. Paul, MN, your reputation, career, and freedom may be on the line. At Tamburino Law Group, we understand the high stakes involved in these sensitive cases and are committed to providing strong, discreet, and effective legal representation. As your dedicated St. Paul solicitation defense attorney, we work to protect your rights, fight the charges, and help you move forward with your life.

Contact us today at (612) 444-5020 for a consultation.

What is Solicitation?

Under Minnesota law, solicitation in relation to prostitution involves offering, requesting, or agreeing to exchange money or something of value for sexual services. The law applies both to those offering sexual services (prostitutes) and those seeking them (solicitors).

In Minnesota, solicitation can be charged in a variety of situations, including:

• Offering to pay someone for sex
• Agreeing to meet with a prostitute for sexual activity
• Communicating with an undercover officer posing as a sex worker
• Soliciting prostitution in a public space or online platform

Minnesota Statute § 609.324 outlines the criminal penalties associated with prostitution and solicitation-related offenses. Importantly, you don’t need to actually exchange money or engage in sexual activity to be charged — the mere act of offering or agreeing can be sufficient for an arrest.

Penalties for Solicitation in Minnesota

The penalties for solicitation can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, your criminal history, and whether the person solicited is an adult or a minor.

For Soliciting an Adult Prostitute:

Misdemeanor: First-time offenders may be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000

Gross Misdemeanor: Repeat offenses or solicitation in a public place may escalate the charge.

• Up to 1 year in jail
• A fine of up to $3,000

For Soliciting a Minor (Under 18):

Felony offense: This carries far more severe penalties:

• Up to 20 years in prison
• Fines up to $40,000
• Mandatory sex offender registration

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction may result in:

• Mandatory participation in educational or treatment programs
• Vehicle forfeiture if the crime involved the use of a vehicle
• A permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses

Given the potential consequences, it is vital to consult with an experienced St. Paul solicitation defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Legal Defenses to Solicitation Charges

At }, we thoroughly examine all the facts surrounding your arrest and the evidence presented. Common legal defenses to solicitation charges in Minnesota include:

• Entrapment: If law enforcement officers persuaded or coerced you into committing an offense you would not have otherwise committed, you may have an entrapment defense. Undercover operations must follow strict legal procedures.
• Lack of Intent: Solicitation charges require proof that you intended to exchange something of value for sexual services. Ambiguous communication or misunderstandings may not meet this legal standard.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is no solid evidence—such as text messages, recordings, or witness testimony—your case may be subject to dismissal or reduction.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: If your arrest involved illegal search and seizure, lack of probable cause, or failure to read your rights, key evidence might be suppressed, weakening the case against you.

Our team builds a personalized defense strategy based on the unique details of your case, always aiming for reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal.

FAQs About Solicitation Charges in St. Paul, MN

Is solicitation a felony in Minnesota?

It can be. Soliciting an adult is typically a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, but soliciting a minor is a felony with far more serious penalties.

Can I be charged with solicitation for talking online?

Yes. Minnesota law allows solicitation charges for online communications, even if no in-person meeting occurs, especially when conversations suggest an intent to engage in sexual activity for compensation.

Do I have to register as a sex offender for a solicitation conviction?

You may be required to register as a sex offender if the charge involves a minor or if it is considered part of a pattern of criminal sexual conduct. A defense attorney can help you avoid this life-altering consequence.

Can I get a solicitation charge expunged?

Depending on the outcome of your case and your criminal history, expungement may be possible. We help clients pursue record sealing to reduce the long-term impact of a charge.

What should I do after being charged with solicitation in St. Paul?

Stay silent and do not speak to police or prosecutors without legal counsel. Contact our St. Paul solicitation defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and start building your defense.

Contact a St. Paul Solicitation Defense Attorney Today

Being charged with solicitation doesn’t mean your life is over — but how you respond matters. At Tamburino Law Group, we combine aggressive legal strategy with compassionate, judgment-free representation. We understand the embarrassment and fear that come with these charges and work tirelessly to help our clients secure the best possible outcome.

Our firm serves clients throughout St. Paul and the greater Twin Cities metro. We offer confidential consultations and flexible scheduling to meet your needs.

Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online today to get started on your defense.