Carlos Gamino, a former Wisconsin criminal defense attorney, shares the legal side of what happens when you’re caught soliciting a prostitute in the state of Wisconsin. You can read more insights from Attorney Gamino on his own blog.
Wisconsin is notoriously tough when it comes to prosecuting charges related to soliciting a prostitute. Police often set up sting operations to trick unwitting participants, and if it’s happened to you, you already know how serious the consequences can be.
What Happens When You’re Busted for Soliciting a Prostitute in Milwaukee?
When police bust you for soliciting a prostitute in Milwaukee, you’ll be arrested and booked into jail. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office may even post your booking photo online.
If you’re convicted, you’re facing jail time (up to 9 months) and fines up to $10,000.
Here’s the kicker about soliciting a prostitute: no sexual actions have to take place for a jury to convict you. The law defines prostitution as either having, offering to have or requesting to have nonmarital sexual contact in exchange for anything of value.
What to Do if You’re Picked Up for Solicitation
Many people make the mistake of talking to police when they’re arrested for soliciting a prostitute. Even if you’re completely innocent, this can be a big mistake; it’s just that the police have one job, and that’s to get the “bad guy.”
If they think you’re the bad guy, they’ll use every technique they know to get you to talk. Remember, that’s what investigators are trained to do (and most of us aren’t trained to answer questions from investigators), so you can see what talking to police might be a big mistake.
Don’t say a word. Call an attorney immediately. You have the right to remain silent, so please use it!
A conviction for solicitation of a prostitute in Wisconsin has serious repercussions, and you could end up paying the price for the rest of your life. It’s best to put your case in a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable attorney’s hands.
