Solicitation in Hoover

In many states, the concept of criminal solicitation corresponds directly to prostitution. While this is one of the more common examples of solicitation across the country, Alabama law has broadened the definition of solicitation to include the hiring of anyone to commit any type of crime. Despite this, there are steps that an individual can take both during the actions that lead to the charges and while in court to create a defense against the charge of solicitation. Reach out to a Hoover solicitation lawyer who is familiar with both the definitions and applicable defenses in these cases who will work to protect your freedom. Read on to learn about how an experienced defense attorney could advocate for you.

AL Code 13A-4-1 states that anyone is guilty of solicitation if they solicit, request, command, or hire another individual to commit a crime. It is important to note that the act that the defendant hires another to carry out must be a crime in and of itself. Despite this, the individual who was hired does not need to actually commit the crime that they were hired to do. It is the act of hiring them that constitutes the crime of solicitation.

The law continues to state that someone cannot be convicted of solicitation based solely on the testimony of the individual who was alleged to have been hired. There needs to be additional evidence, such as police observations, to convict. Additionally, someone accused of solicitation can avoid conviction if, during the act of solicitation, they renounce the intent to hire to the solicited individual and warn the police of an impending crime. Reach out to a professional criminal attorney to learn more.

The punishments for solicitation are attached to the severity of the crime that the accused hired another to commit. For example, if the accused is charged with soliciting another individual to commit robbery in the third degree, a Class C felony, the solicitor will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Generally speaking, the penalties for solicitation are one level lower than the act that the defendant is accused of hiring another to perform.

Accordingly, punishments for solicitation can range from a minimum prison sentence of 10 years with a maximum of life, to violation-level offenses with only fines as a punishment. A skilled Hoover solicitation lawyer can help an accused individual better understand the law as it applies to their charges and to comprehend the possible consequences of a conviction.

While being charged with any crime can be a frightening and overwhelming situation, know that there are defenses available to those who are accused of solicitation. By listening to your side of the story, examining all witness statements, and analyzing police reports, a qualified Hoover solicitation lawyer can craft a defense that is tailored to the specifics of your case. Regardless of the severity of one’s potential penalties, a conviction will remain on an individual’s criminal record. To avoid taking any unnecessary chances, reach out to a skilled Hoover solicitation lawyer today.