Solicitation Criminal Attorney in Winston-Salem

Discreet Defense For A Sensitive Charge

If you have been accused of solicitation in Winston-Salem, you are likely feeling scared, ashamed, and unsure of what to do next. A single allegation can threaten your reputation, your career, and your relationships. You do not have to face this situation alone or guess about your options.

At Beechler Tomberlin, we defend people charged with solicitation and related offenses in this part of North Carolina. We understand how stressful and embarrassing these cases can be, and we treat every client with discretion and respect. Our goal is to protect your rights, your record, and your future while guiding you through each step of the process.

Our criminal defense team brings more than 50 years of combined experience to every case, and our lead attorney, Christopher A. Beechler, is board-certified in both State and Federal Criminal Law by the North Carolina State Bar. 

To talk confidentially about your situation with our solicitation defense attorney in Winston-Salem, you can call us for a free consultation at (336) 933-9406 or reach out online today.

Understanding Solicitation Laws in North Carolina

Under the recently amended NCGS § 14-205.1, the definition and punishment for solicitation have become remarkably stringent. A Winston-Salem solicitation defense lawyer must navigate these updated statutes to protect your rights:

• Felony Solicitation (First Offense): For offenses committed on or after December 1, 2024, a first-time solicitation of another for prostitution is a Class I felony. This is a dramatic shift that carries the weight of a permanent felony record.
• Subsequent Offenses: A second or subsequent conviction for solicitation is elevated to a Class H felony, carrying even longer potential prison sentences.
• Solicitation of a Minor: This remains a specialized and severe charge. Any person 18 or older who solicits a minor is guilty of a Class G felony, which often involves mandatory registration on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
• Solicitation of Individuals with Disabilities: Under the same statute, soliciting a person with a severe or profound mental disability is a Class E felony.

Law enforcement in North Carolina sometimes uses sting operations, including internet based investigations, to identify suspected solicitation. Officers may pose as another adult online or arrange meetings in public places in and around the city. Communications such as text messages, emails, or recorded calls can all become part of the evidence the state relies on.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

For the Forsyth County District Attorney to secure a felony conviction, they must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. We focus our defense on challenging the state on these key points:

• The Specific Intent: The state must prove you had the specific intent to engage in prostitution. A solicitation criminal attorney in Winston-Salem will look for evidence that your words or actions were taken out of context or that no actual agreement was reached.
• The Offer or Agreement: Solicitation requires more than a casual conversation; it requires an "offer or agreement" to perform a sexual act for "money or other consideration." We scrutinize the exact language used in undercover recordings to see if a legal agreement was actually formed.
• The "Willful" Standard: The act must be willful. If you were coerced, confused, or the victim of aggressive "over-encouragement" by law enforcement, the element of willfulness may be negated.

It is important to remember that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. The state must still prove its case, and there may be legal or factual issues that can be raised in your defense. We can review how the investigation was conducted, what was actually said or agreed to, and whether the evidence supports the charge that has been filed.