Generally, soliciting prostitution in Oklahoma is a misdemeanor. However, there are instances in which solicitation may be charged as a felony.
PUNISHMENT FOR MISDEMEANOR
The misdemeanor crime carries a punishment of:
- 30 days up to one year in the county jail; and/or
- A fine of no more than $2,500 for a first offense, up to $5,000 for a second offense, and no more than $7,500 for a third or more offenses.
Additionally, the Court may require between 40 and 80 hours of community service. The Court will also notify the superintendent of public health of a conviction.
Persons charged with soliciting prostitution have the option of fighting the charge or trying to work out a deal to avoid jail or prison time.
See related article: Seven (7) Reasons You May Want to Consider a Plea Deal
WHEN SOLICITING PROSTITUTION TURNS INTO A FELONY
NEAR SCHOOL OR CHURCH
Soliciting prostitution turns into a felony if it is done within 1,000 feet of a church or school. In this case, the punishment is:
- Up to five (5) years in prison; and/or
- A fine of no more than $2,500 for a first offense, up to $5,000 for a second offense, and no more than $7,500 for a third or more offenses.
And, just as in misdemeanor charges, the Court may require between 40 and 80 hours of community service. Similarly, the Court will notify the superintendent of public health of a conviction.
PERSON UNDER 18
Soliciting prostitution with a person younger than 18 years old is a felony. The penalty is not more than ten (10) years in prison and fines as follows:
- a fine not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) upon the first conviction;
- a fine not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) upon the second conviction, and;
- a fine not more than Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) upon the third or subsequent convictions.
NEW LAW EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023
There is no general law of solicitation. But a new law effective July 1, 2023, could be interpreted as a type of solicitation. Generally speaking, HB 2054 (2023) made it a felony to knowingly offer money or something else of value for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct. Prior to July 1, 2023, such conduct was a misdemeanor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE CHARGED WITH SOLICITING PROSTITUTION IN OKLAHOMA
Most judges require you to hire an attorney, especially if you have posted a bond to get out of jail. You will want to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the criminal justice process and work to either fight the charge or get you a good deal and avoid jail or prison time. Attorney Stephen Cale has been serving clients with legal representation since 1999.
The Cale Law Office is dedicated to the practice of criminal defense. Our mission is to achieve the best possible results for our clients through hard work, attention to detail, and aggressive representation. This is done while maintaining the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, call the Cale Law Office at 918-771-7314. Your initial consultation is free.
The content in this article is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Laws change often. So, consult an attorney if you are charged with a crime.