Solicitation Criminal Attorney in Park City

Discreet Defense For Solicitation Charges In The Park City Area

If you have been accused of solicitation of a prostitute, you are probably worried about far more than a court date. You may be wondering if your family will find out, if your employer will see a record, and what this could mean for your future.

At Langford | Ramos, we provide confidential criminal defense for people facing solicitation allegations in Utah. Our attorneys have more than 30 years of combined criminal defense experience, and our firm is structured as a boutique practice so we can focus closely on each case. 

In a smaller community such as Park City, reputation matters, and a single mistake or misunderstanding can feel overwhelming. We treat every client with respect, not judgment, and we work to protect both your rights in court and your life outside it.

Don't let a mistake or a misunderstanding define your future. Contact a solicitation criminal attorney in Park City who provides a personalized, focused defense. Call Langford | Ramos at (801) 919-8454 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Understanding Solicitation and Prostitution Laws in Utah

In Utah, "Solicitation of Prostitution" and "Patronizing a Prostitute" are distinct but related offenses, both governed by Title 76, Chapter 10 of the Utah Criminal Code. An individual is guilty of sexual solicitation if they offer or agree to commit any sexual activity for a fee, or if they pay or offer to pay a fee for sexual activity.

A solicitation criminal attorney in Park City will explain that the law is written broadly to capture more than just the exchange of cash. The "functional equivalent of a fee"—such as drugs, goods, or services—is sufficient to trigger a charge. Furthermore, the crime does not require that a sexual act actually take place. Simply taking steps to arrange a meeting through advertising or messaging can lead to an arrest.

The "Sting" Operation

In Summit County and Park City, many solicitation arrests are the result of undercover "sting" operations. Law enforcement officers often pose as providers or clients on websites or apps. 

Because the intent can be inferred from the "totality of the circumstances," police often use scripted conversations to lead individuals into making an incriminating offer. We meticulously review these transcripts to determine if the line between an investigation and illegal entrapment was crossed.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Solicitation Convictions in Utah

While solicitation is often classified as a misdemeanor, the consequences in Utah are far-reaching. The penalties increase significantly for repeat offenders or if a minor is involved.

• First or Second Offense (Class A Misdemeanor): Under § 76-10-1313, patronizing a prostitute (the "client" side) is a Class A Misdemeanor even for a first offense. This carries a potential sentence of up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
• Third or Subsequent Offense: A third conviction for patronizing can be elevated to a Third-Degree Felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
• Offenses Involving a Child: If the individual solicited is under the age of 18, the charge becomes a Second-Degree Felony, carrying a mandatory prison sentence and a lifetime of consequences.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond jail time, a conviction on your record in Park City brings "invisible" penalties:

• Professional Licensing: If you hold a license in medicine, law, or real estate, a sex-related conviction can trigger a disciplinary hearing or revocation.
• Travel Restrictions: Some countries deny entry to individuals with sex-related criminal records.
• Employment Disqualification: Most employers in Utah conduct background checks. A solicitation conviction is often seen as a "crime of moral turpitude," which can make you ineligible for many positions.
• Public Record: Criminal records are public in Utah. Even without a jail sentence, the "digital footprint" of an arrest can follow you for years.

Our Focused Approach to Solicitation Defense

At Langford | Ramos, we don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" defense. Because we maintain a smaller caseload, we can dive deeper into the nuances of your case:

• Entrapment Analysis: We look for evidence that the police used "undue persuasion" or "coaxing." If the idea for the crime originated with the officer and they pressured you into agreeing, we can raise the affirmative defense of entrapment.
• Digital Forensic Review: We analyze the digital trail. Often, undercover officers delete portions of chats or omit context that would favor the defendant. We fight to bring the full story to light.
• Good Faith Reporting Immunity: Under Utah law (§ 76-10-1313(7)), you cannot be prosecuted for solicitation if you report a violent crime (like assault or human trafficking) that you witnessed while the solicitation was occurring. We ensure this protection is applied whenever relevant.
• Discreet Advocacy: We understand the sensitive nature of these charges. We work to resolve matters as quietly as possible to protect your standing in the community.

How The Utah Criminal Process Typically Works

Most clients are unfamiliar with the Utah criminal court process. Typically, a case begins with an initial appearance or arraignment, where the charge is read and you enter a plea of not guilty or, in some situations, another plea on the advice of counsel. 

After that, courts usually schedule pretrial conferences, during which the defense and prosecution discuss discovery, motions, and possible resolutions. If a case does not resolve, it may be set for motions hearings or trial. The timeline and specific steps can vary based on the court’s calendar, the charges, and how complex the case is.

Our attorneys regularly appear in the Summit County and Salt Lake County courts where solicitation charges are heard. We are familiar with local procedures, scheduling practices, and the way prosecutors in this region typically approach these cases. That familiarity helps us communicate clearly with you about what to expect at each stage, from dress and decorum to likely topics at a pretrial conference.

For many clients, attending court is one of the most stressful parts of the process. We work to prepare you in advance, answer your questions about logistics, and stand with you in the courtroom. Our local presence means you have counsel who understands how these cases generally move through the system in this part of Utah.

Why Choose Our Firm For Solicitation Defense

When you search for a solicitation criminal attorney in Park City, you are likely to see many firms that handle a little of everything. We focus on criminal defense, and our practice is built around guiding people through some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

Our attorneys bring over three decades of combined experience in state and federal criminal courts. Our team includes Alexander E. Ramos, who previously served as a federal public defender, and Michael Langford, who has more than 20 years of criminal defense experience.

Because Langford | Ramos is a boutique firm based in Park City, our clients work directly with their criminal defense lawyer, not layers of staff. You have direct access to the attorney handling your case, and we prioritize clear, honest communication.

Equally important, we approach every case with empathy. Allegations involving prostitution or sexual conduct often carry strong social stigma. Our role is to provide steady, non-judgmental support and to work toward the best possible resolution under the circumstances.

What To Do After A Solicitation Arrest In Utah

The hours and days after an arrest or citation for solicitation can feel confusing. You may have paperwork from an officer, a court date in Summit County, and many unanswered questions. Taking a few careful steps now can help protect your rights later.

Consider taking these actions as soon as possible:

• Limit conversations about the incident
• Do not speak with law enforcement without counsel
• Gather and keep your paperwork (citations, booking sheet, pretrial release paperwork, or court notice)
• Write down what you remember
• Avoid contacting anyone involved in the case
• Contact a criminal lawyer promptly

When you reach out to us, we review your paperwork, listen to your account in a confidential setting, and explain the next steps in clear terms. Our goal is to reduce your uncertainty as quickly as possible and start protecting your interests right away.

Talk With Our Criminal Defense Team In Confidence

Facing a solicitation accusation in the Park City area can feel isolating, but you do not have to face it without guidance. When you contact Langford | Ramos, you reach a boutique criminal defense firm with more than 30 years of combined experience and a team that includes a former federal public defender. 

We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and work toward outcomes that protect both your rights and your future.

To discuss your case with our criminal defense team, call (801) 919-8454 or reach out online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a solicitation charge in Utah stay on my record forever?

A solicitation charge may appear on background checks and can have lasting effects, but whether it remains permanently depends on the case outcome, charge type, and Utah law. Some resolutions have less long-term impact than others. Understanding these differences is important before making decisions. An attorney can review your situation, explain how various outcomes affect your record, and help you evaluate options that protect your future.

Do I need a lawyer if this is my first solicitation offense?

Even a first solicitation charge can carry serious consequences affecting employment, licensing, and reputation, especially in close-knit communities like Park City. A lawyer can assess the strength of the evidence, identify possible defenses, and explore options to reduce the impact of the charge. Legal guidance helps first-time defendants understand the process, avoid missteps, and make informed decisions aligned with their personal and professional goals.

How will you handle my case discreetly so my family or employer does not find out?

Solicitation cases are handled with a strong emphasis on discretion and privacy. Access to client information is limited within the firm, and communication methods are tailored to individual privacy concerns. While courts control public records, attorneys can explain what information is likely visible and advise on steps to minimize exposure. Open discussion of privacy priorities allows legal strategy and communication to be handled carefully.

What will we talk about in our first meeting about my solicitation case?

The first meeting focuses on understanding your situation and addressing immediate concerns. Attorneys review paperwork, discuss what happened, explain the charge, outline possible outcomes, and describe the local court process. You can ask questions about strategy, priorities, and concerns such as reputation or employment. The goal is to leave the meeting with clarity about your case and available options.

Can a solicitation charge in Utah ever be reduced or resolved without jail time?

Many solicitation cases are resolved without jail time, depending on the facts, prior record, and court or prosecutor discretion. Possible outcomes may include reduced charges, fines, counseling, or probation-like conditions. An attorney evaluates the evidence and advocates for resolutions that limit long-term consequences. While results are never guaranteed, preparation and negotiation can significantly influence how a case is resolved.

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