Solicitation Criminal Attorney in Bloomington

Aggressively Defending Solicitation of a Sexual Act Charges in Illinois

A charge of Solicitation of a Sexual Act, commonly referred to as solicitation of prostitution, can instantly and dramatically overturn your life. In Illinois, this offense is taken seriously, often involving complex law enforcement sting operations that can lead to public exposure, severe penalties, and an enduring criminal record. 

At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we support individuals accused of solicitation with thorough preparation, honest guidance, and respect for your situation.

Solicitation charges often feel overwhelming and isolating, but you do not have to go through the process alone. Having a solicitation criminal attorney in Bloomington who knows the local courts and agencies can help you understand what to expect at every stage.

Contact a leading solicitation criminal attorney in Bloomington now. Call (309) 565-8825 or schedule your free consultation online—We offer 24/7 availability.

Understanding Solicitation of a Sexual Act Laws in Illinois

In Illinois, the offense of Solicitation of a Sexual Act is defined under 720 ILCS 5/11-14.1. This is the charge typically brought against a person accused of offering to pay for sex (often called the "john" or "patron"). It is a distinct charge from Prostitution, which is reserved for the person who offers or agrees to perform the sexual act for money.

A person commits the offense of Solicitation of a Sexual Act in Illinois when the accused offers another person, who is not their spouse, any money, property, token, object, or anything of value in exchange for that person to perform either:

• An act of sexual penetration as defined in the statute.
• Any touching or fondling of the sex organs of one person by the other person, for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal.

It is critical to note that the actual sexual act does not have to occur for the charge to be levied. The mere offer of value in exchange for a sexual act is sufficient to complete the crime. As your Bloomington solicitation defense lawyer, we focus on the details of that alleged offer.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

The necessary elements the prosecution must prove are:

• The Offer: That the defendant communicated an offer to another person.
• The Intent to Exchange: That the offer was to exchange "money, property, token, object, or anything of value."
• The Requested Act: That the exchange was for the performance of a sexual act (sexual penetration or sex organ touching/fondling for gratification).
• Non-Spouse Status: That the person solicited was not the defendant's spouse.

Many solicitation cases hinge entirely on the interpretation of vague or fleeting communication, often gathered by undercover officers during sting operations. 

Our firm specializes in exposing holes in this type of evidence, arguing that an offer was never clearly made or that it lacked the specific terms required by the statute. If you need a Bloomington solicitation defense lawyer, we are ready to dissect the State's narrative.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Solicitation Convictions in Illinois

While often charged as a misdemeanor, the penalties for Solicitation of a Sexual Act in Illinois are severe and can quickly escalate to felony level, carrying long-term consequences that demand the attention of an experienced solicitation criminal attorney in Bloomington.

• First Offense (Standard): Typically charged as a Class A Misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The court may also order a mandatory minimum of 30 hours of community service and mandatory STI testing/treatment.
• Aggravated Offenses (Felony): The charge is elevated to a Class 4 Felony (1 to 3 years in state prison and up to a $25,000 fine) if:
  • The act was solicited from a person under the age of 18.
  • The act was solicited from a person with a severe or profound intellectual disability.
  • It is a second or subsequent conviction for solicitation or another prostitution-related offense.

Collateral Consequences

The true punishment for a Solicitation of a Sexual Act conviction often lies in the collateral consequences that follow you for life:

• Public Record and Stigma: The details of the arrest and conviction can become part of the public record, causing immediate and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions can jeopardize or lead to the revocation of professional licenses (e.g., medical, teaching, real estate, financial services).
• Employment and Career: Background checks are standard for many employers, making it extremely difficult to secure or maintain employment with a conviction on your record.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a conviction can trigger serious immigration consequences, including deportation proceedings.
• Vehicle Impoundment: In certain municipalities within Illinois, the vehicle used during the commission of the offense can be subject to impoundment and associated fees.

We provide the aggressive defense required to mitigate these risks and fight to keep a conviction off your record entirely.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Solicitation Defense

As your solicitation criminal attorney in Bloomington, our firm crafts a defense strategy specifically tailored to the facts of your case and the evidence gathered by the Illinois State Police or local law enforcement. We understand that in most solicitation cases, the defense revolves around attacking the government’s narrative regarding your intent and the communication itself.

Defenses that we frequently employ include:

• Entrapment: The police inducement defense. We argue that you were induced to commit the crime by police tactics that went beyond merely presenting an opportunity, often showing that you were not predisposed to commit the offense until targeted by law enforcement.
• Mistake of Fact (No Intent): Proving that your communication was misunderstood, was purely hypothetical, or was a joke, and that you lacked the actual, specific criminal intent to exchange value for a sexual act.
• Challenging the 'Value' Component: Arguing that what was offered was not considered "money, property, token, object, or anything of value" under the meaning of the statute.
• Failure of Proof: Demonstrating that the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a clear offer was made or that the communication was directed at a non-spouse.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Challenging the methods used to obtain electronic evidence, such as improperly executed search warrants for phones or computers used in online solicitation efforts.

Our firm is committed to providing a powerful, multi-layered defense to protect your future from the devastating effects of a solicitation conviction.

Why Choose Johnson Law Group for Your Solicitation Defense

When you look for a solicitation criminal lawyer in Bloomington, you need more than someone with legal knowledge. You need support, clear communication, and a solid grasp of both Illinois and local solicitation laws. Our firm stands out in several important ways:

• Over 100 years of shared legal experience. Our team brings a wide range of insights from decades defending clients in Illinois criminal courts.
• Personal attention on every case. We learn your story, listen to your concerns, and shape your defense with your goals in mind.
• Commitment to transparency. We keep you informed from first call to final resolution, answering your questions and explaining each step.
• Deep roots in Central Illinois. Local experience lets us move through Bloomington courts with ease and knowledge of how judges and prosecutors approach solicitation cases.

With Johnson Law Group, you gain not only the experience of a leading solicitation criminal attorney in Bloomington but also a compassionate legal team focused on helping you navigate every challenge. 

Our decades serving Central Illinois mean we understand how local prosecutors and court staff view solicitation offenses and know how recent changes in the law may impact your defense. Our approach blends practical strategies and genuine client support for the best possible client experience.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION