Prostitution & Solicitation Defense Lawyers
Charged with prostitution or solicitation (A.R.S. § 13-3214) after a sting? A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum jail term, escalating with priors to a Class 5 felony. If the State claims a minor was involved, it becomes child sex trafficking, a far graver charge. Entrapment and what was actually agreed are the issues. Do not talk to police, call us first.
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What Is Solicitation of Prostitution in Arizona?
Quick answer: Under A.R.S. § 13-3214, it is a crime to engage in, agree to, or offer to engage in prostitution, sexual conduct in return for money or other value. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor but carries a mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail; penalties escalate with priors (30 days, then 60 days), and a fourth or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory year. Most charges come from police stings, decoy escort ads or undercover officers. If the State alleges the other person was a minor, the charge becomes child sex trafficking (A.R.S. § 13-3212), a Class 2 DCAC. Adult prostitution is not a registerable sex offense. The defense centers on entrapment, whether an actual agreement occurred, and identity.
Both Sides
Former Prosecutors · Law Enforcement · Public Defenders
When you call Tamou Law Group, you reach a firm that handles criminal defense exclusively, with serious experience defending solicitation of prostitution and other sex-crime cases across Arizona. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers, so we know exactly how the State builds these cases, and where they fall apart.
At many large firms, the name on the building is a marketing figurehead, you rarely get them on the phone and your case goes to a junior associate. When you hire Tamou Law Group, your case is handled by a full team of attorneys, not associates, including Michael Tamou.
On This Page
- What Is Solicitation of Prostitution in Arizona?
- What is the punishment for those who hire prostitutes in Arizona?
- Is solicitation of prostitution a felony in Arizona?
- Is there mandatory jail for a first prostitution offense in Arizona?
- Does solicitation of prostitution require sex offender registration in Arizona?
- What are the defenses to a prostitution sting in Arizona?
- Can a first-offense solicitation charge be dismissed in Arizona?
- How the Charge Escalates
- Penalties & Sentencing
- Defenses That Work
- Our Defense Team
- FAQs
If you’ve been charged with solicitation of prostitution in Arizona, you probably have urgent questions about what you’re facing and what comes next. Here are straight answers to the questions people ask most, with a plain-English breakdown of the law under A.R.S. § 13-3214, the penalties, and the defenses that matter most.
What is the punishment for those who hire prostitutes in Arizona?
Hiring or soliciting a prostitute under A.R.S. § 13-3214 is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, but it carries a mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail. A second offense means a 30-day minimum, a third means 60 days, and a fourth or later offense is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory year. That mandatory jail is why avoiding the conviction matters so much.
Awards & Recognition
Our recognition for Phoenix sex crime defense is independently verified, click any award to confirm it:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Elite Lawyer 2026 – Criminal Defense
- Super Lawyers – Southwest
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
When you are looking for the best Phoenix sex crime lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors.
Is solicitation of prostitution a felony in Arizona?
A first, second, or third offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor (each with escalating mandatory jail). A fourth or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory year in prison. If the State alleges the other person was a minor, the case is charged instead as child sex trafficking, a Class 2 felony — an entirely different fight.
Is there mandatory jail for a first prostitution offense in Arizona?
Yes. Even a first solicitation conviction under A.R.S. § 13-3214 carries a mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail. That is exactly why the goal is a dismissal, diversion, or a reduction to a non-mandatory offense that avoids the conviction altogether. You should not plead guilty before exploring those options.
Does solicitation of prostitution require sex offender registration in Arizona?
No. Adult prostitution and solicitation are not registerable sex offenses in Arizona. The exception is if the State alleges the other person was a minor — then the case becomes child sex trafficking (A.R.S. § 13-3212), which does require lifetime registration.
What are the defenses to a prostitution sting in Arizona?
Most charges come from stings — decoy escort ads, fake profiles, and undercover officers. Entrapment is a defense when the decoy initiated, named the price, or pushed a hesitant person, and the full exchange often shows the officer doing the work. We also contest whether a genuine agreement for sex-for-money occurred and challenge identity.
Can a first-offense solicitation charge be dismissed in Arizona?
Often, yes. For first offenders we pursue diversion or a dismissal, or a reduction to a non-prostitution offense, that avoids both the conviction and the mandatory jail. Sting and no-agreement defenses also frequently lead to dismissal. Pleading guilty just to resolve it is rarely the best move, since it brings mandatory jail and counts as a prior.
How the Charge Escalates
Solicitation escalates with prior offenses, and turns into a far graver charge if a minor is alleged.
| Circumstance | Offense Level | Mandatory Minimum | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 15 days jail | No |
| Second offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 30 days jail | No |
| Third offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 60 days jail | No |
| Fourth+ offense | Class 5 Felony | 1 year prison | No |
| Minor alleged (13-3212) | Class 2 DCAC | Up to life | Lifetime |
*Adult prostitution is not a registerable sex offense. If a minor is alleged the case is charged as trafficking, where belief-as-to-age and entrapment are critical.
What the State Must Prove for Solicitation of Prostitution
To convict you of Solicitation of Prostitution under A.R.S. § 13-3214, the prosecutor must prove every one of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt. If even one fails, the charge fails.
- 1An offer or agreement. You offered, agreed to, or engaged in prostitution, the words and who initiated them are scrutinized.
- 2Sexual conduct for a fee. The agreement was for sexual conduct in return for money or value, ambiguity is a defense.
- 3Knowingly. You acted knowingly, not joking, misunderstanding, or responding to an officer’s inducement.
- 4Identity. The State must prove it was you who made the offer or agreement.
Examples of Conduct Charged as Solicitation of Prostitution
- Responding to a decoy escort ad placed by police
- An undercover sting at a hotel or massage business
- An online chat the State says agreed to sex for money
- An alleged offer made to an undercover officer
- A repeat-offense allegation raising the penalty
What Sentence Could You Actually Face?
Solicitation carries escalating mandatory jail, from 15 days on a first offense to a Class 5 felony for repeat offenses, but it is not a registerable offense, and first offenses are often divertible.
Class 1 Misd.
First Offense
Escalating
Repeat Offenses
Class 5 / DCAC
4th+ or a Minor
⚠ Mandatory Jail, So the Right Resolution Matters
Because even a first solicitation conviction carries a mandatory minimum 15 days in jail, the goal is a resolution that avoids the conviction, a dismissal, diversion, or a reduction to a non-mandatory offense. For sting cases, entrapment and whether an actual agreement occurred are the levers. And if the State alleges a minor, the entire case changes to trafficking, where we fight belief-as-to-age and entrapment hard.
How We Fight Arizona Solicitation of Prostitution Cases
Every case has weak points. These are the defenses we look at first.
Entrapment & the Agreement
Entrapment. Where the decoy or officer initiated, named the price, or pushed a hesitant person, entrapment can be a complete defense.
No Actual Agreement. Talk alone is not enough; we contest whether a genuine agreement for sex-for-money occurred, ambiguity helps the defense.
No Intent / Misunderstanding. Responding to an ad without agreeing to sex-for-money, or a misunderstanding, defeats the charge.
Mistaken Identity. We challenge whether you are the person who made the alleged offer.
Resolving It & the Minor Question
Diversion or Dismissal. For first offenders we pursue diversion or a dismissal that avoids the mandatory jail and a conviction.
Reduce the Charge. Where appropriate, we negotiate a reduction to a non-mandatory, non-prostitution offense.
Belief as to Age. If a minor is alleged (trafficking), we fight on belief-as-to-age, escort ads present adults, and entrapment.
Suppression. Statements from an improper interrogation and evidence from an unlawful search can be suppressed.
The Experts We Bring to the Table
Sex cases are built on a single accusation, a forensic interview, and digital evidence. We bring the specialists who take them apart.
Forensic-Interview Experts
Accuser Interviews
Analyze how a child or adult accuser was interviewed and expose leading, suggestive, and contaminating techniques that produce false reports.
Digital Forensics Experts
Devices, Images & IP
Examine phones, computers, and accounts, and challenge whether the digital evidence proves who possessed or sent anything.
DNA & Medical (SANE) Experts
Forensic Exams
Independently review DNA and SANE medical findings, which frequently do not show assault or do not identify our client.
False-Allegation & Psychology Experts
Motive & Memory
Address the dynamics of false and exaggerated allegations, memory contamination, and suggestibility, especially in custody and relationship disputes.
Defense Investigators
Inconsistencies & Motive
Reconstruct the timeline, locate witnesses, and document the accuser’s inconsistencies and motives to fabricate.
Mitigation & Treatment Specialists
Protecting Your Future
Build the mitigation and evaluation record that can avoid a registerable conviction or reduce the exposure.
Recent Solicitation of Prostitution Defense Results
Every case is unique and results depend on the facts, but these examples reflect how our firm handles solicitation of prostitution cases across Arizona.
Sting Entrapment
Charges Dismissed
The full exchange showed the undercover officer initiated and set the price; the entrapment defense led to dismissal.
No Agreement
Charges Dismissed
We showed no genuine agreement for sex-for-money occurred, only ambiguous talk.
First-Offense Diversion
Dismissed via Diversion
Our first-time client completed a program and the charge was dismissed, avoiding the mandatory jail.
Mistaken Identity
Charges Dismissed
The State could not prove our client made the alleged offer in a multi-person sting.
Trafficking Avoided
Trafficking Not Charged
We showed the ad presented an adult and our client believed so; the case stayed a misdemeanor, not trafficking.
Reduced Charge
Reduced, No Mandatory Jail
We negotiated a reduction to a non-prostitution offense, avoiding the mandatory minimum.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Clients reach us searching for the best prostitution lawyer in Phoenix, a solicitation or escort-sting defense attorney, or help with an A.R.S. 13-3214 charge. Our Phoenix criminal defense lawyers and Scottsdale criminal defense attorneys defend solicitation of prostitution and other sex-crime cases across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and all of Maricopa County, from offices in both cities. This page is part of our Arizona sex crimes practice. Call 623-321-4699 or contact our team for a free, confidential consultation, 24/7.
Arizona Solicitation of Prostitution FAQs
Quick answers to the questions we hear most about solicitation of prostitution charges, penalties, and defenses in Arizona.
Is solicitation of prostitution a felony in Arizona?
A first, second, or third offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor (each with escalating mandatory jail). A fourth or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory year. If a minor is alleged, it’s charged as child sex trafficking, a Class 2 felony.
Is there mandatory jail for a first offense?
Yes. Even a first solicitation conviction under A.R.S. 13-3214 carries a mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail. That’s why the goal is a dismissal, diversion, or a reduction that avoids the conviction and the mandatory term.
Most of these are stings, right?
Yes. Most charges come from police stings, decoy escort ads, fake profiles, or undercover officers. That makes entrapment, and whether an actual agreement occurred, central defenses, and the full exchange often shows the officer doing the inducing.
What is entrapment in a prostitution sting?
Entrapment is when police induce conduct a person wasn’t predisposed to commit, for example, when the decoy initiates, names the price, or pushes a hesitant person. It can be a complete defense, and the conversation is the key evidence.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
No, adult prostitution and solicitation are not registerable sex offenses in Arizona. However, if the State alleges the other person was a minor, the case becomes child sex trafficking, which does require lifetime registration.
What if the sting claimed a minor was involved?
Then it’s no longer misdemeanor solicitation, it’s child sex trafficking (A.R.S. 13-3212), a Class 2 DCAC with life-level exposure and registration. Belief-as-to-age (escort ads present adults) and entrapment become the critical defenses.
Can a first-offense solicitation be dismissed?
Often we can pursue diversion or a dismissal, or a reduction to a non-prostitution offense, that avoids the conviction and the mandatory jail. Sting and agreement defenses also frequently lead to dismissal.
Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?
No, not without counsel. A plea carries mandatory jail and a permanent record, and it counts as a prior that escalates any future charge to a felony. There are often much better outcomes available.
Will I get a real attorney or a junior associate?
At many large firms the name on the door is a marketing figurehead and your case goes to a rotating associate. At Tamou Law Group your defense is handled by a full team of experienced attorneys, not associates, including founding attorney Michael Tamou. Call 623-321-4699, 24/7.
Key Takeaways
- Prostitution/solicitation (A.R.S. § 13-3214) is offering or agreeing to sexual conduct for money or value.
- A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor but with a mandatory minimum 15 days in jail; priors escalate it.
- A fourth or later offense is a Class 5 felony with a mandatory year in prison.
- Most cases are stings, decoy ads and undercover officers, where entrapment and the actual agreement are key.
- If a minor is alleged, it becomes child sex trafficking, a Class 2 DCAC, an entirely different fight.
- Adult prostitution is not a registerable sex offense, and diversion is sometimes available.
- Your case is handled by a full team of attorneys, not associates, including Michael Tamou, available 24/7 at 623-321-4699.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.