San Diego Solicitation & Prostitution Defense Lawyer

Getting arrested for solicitation or prostitution can be humiliating and stressful. Even if no physical act occurred, the accusation alone can damage your reputation, your career, and your relationships. You may be worried about jail time, fines, or having to register as a sex offender—but just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you’re guilty.

Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, knows how police handle these cases and the pressure prosecutors often apply to get people to plead guilty quickly. Don’t let embarrassment or fear prevent you from protecting your rights. As a former Public Defender with extensive experience handling criminal cases in San Diego, Anthony Vargas knows how to fight solicitation and prostitution charges in San Diego County with discretion, empathy, and proven legal strategy.

If you’ve been arrested in a police sting or accused of engaging in or soliciting prostitution, call our San Diego solicitation & prostitution lawyer today. You may have more options than you think.

Understanding California’s Laws on Prostitution and Solicitation

In California, prostitution is defined as the act of engaging in, agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money or other compensation. Solicitation involves offering or requesting such an act—even if no money changes hands or the act never actually occurs.

These offenses are typically charged under:

Penal Code § 647(b) – Prohibits both engaging in and soliciting prostitution.
Penal Code § 653.22 – Targets loitering with the intent to commit prostitution.
Penal Code § 653.23 – Applies to those who supervise, direct, or aid in acts of prostitution.

Importantly, you can be arrested and charged even if no sex act ever took place. All it may take is a conversation or an offer of money during a sting operation for police to make an arrest.

What Are the Penalties for Solicitation and Prostitution?

In most cases, solicitation and prostitution are charged as misdemeanors. However, a conviction can still carry serious consequences, including up to six months in county jail, fines of up to $1,000 (plus substantial court fees and penalty assessments), mandatory HIV/AIDS education programs, probation with strict conditions, and the burden of a permanent criminal record.

The penalties become more severe if you have prior convictions, if the alleged activity occurred near a school, or if it involved a minor. In some cases, prosecutors may even push for sex offender registration, though that is rare for a first offense.

Even if the legal consequences seem manageable, the social and personal consequences can be devastating. A conviction for solicitation or prostitution can affect your immigration status, employment opportunities, and standing in the community. That’s why it’s so important to take the charge seriously and work with an experienced defense attorney from the very beginning.

Possible Defenses to Solicitation or Prostitution Charges in San Diego

Just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. In fact, many solicitation and prostitution cases are based on weak or questionable evidence. Police stings often involve undercover officers and vague conversations, and the line between illegal conduct and legal free speech can be murky.

San Diego defense attorney Anthony Vargas takes a thorough approach to defending these cases. Depending on the circumstances, potential defenses may include, for example:

Lack of intent – If there was no clear agreement to exchange sex for money, there may be no crime.
Entrapment – If police induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, you may have a valid defense.
Insufficient evidence – Vague conversations, text messages, or online chats may not be enough to prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mistaken identity or false accusation – Especially in busy areas or online sting operations, police may misidentify the person involved.

Anthony understands that everyone makes mistakes and that being arrested doesn’t define who you are. His goal is to protect your rights, minimize the consequences, and resolve the case as discreetly and favorably as possible—whether that means seeking a dismissal, negotiating a diversion program, or fighting the charge in court.

Alternative Sentencing and Discreet Resolutions in Solicitation and Prostitution Cases

In many first-time solicitation or prostitution cases, there are alternatives to jail time or a criminal record. For instance, depending on the circumstances, Anthony may be able to negotiate pretrial diversion or deferred entry of judgment, conditional dismissal following completion of counseling or education, or plea agreements that avoid sex-related convictions.

These alternatives can help protect your future, avoid publicity, and allow you to move forward without a conviction hanging over your head. Every case is different, and Anthony will work with you to find the best possible outcome.

Discreet, Nonjudgmental Representation You Can Trust

Being accused of a sex-related offense like solicitation or prostitution can feel isolating—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At our firm, we understand that good people sometimes find themselves in difficult situations. You will be treated with respect and without judgment, no matter what the charges say.

Anthony Vargas brings calm, confidence, and real courtroom experience to every case. He will listen to your side of the story, explain your options clearly, and fight to protect your rights, privacy, and freedom.

Call a San Diego Solicitation & Prostitution Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been arrested or charged with solicitation or prostitution in San Diego, don’t despair, and don’t plead guilty or make statements without talking to a lawyer first. The decisions you make now can impact your life for years to come. Let Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., help you move forward with clarity and strength. Call today for a confidential consultation.