Seattle Sexual Exploitation Defense Attorneys
Dedicated Support for Seattle Residents Facing Sexual Exploitation Charges
The words used to describe a crime are important, which is why Seattle criminal charges, like sexual exploitation, have complicated the pursuit of justice in the city. It can be argued that the charge is unnecessarily confusing, leading to unintended consequences for everyone involved. The impression given by a charge of sexual exploitation can make a lower-level misdemeanor sound more dangerous and severe a crime than the statute defines.
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What Is Considered Sexual Exploitation in WA?
The charge of sexual exploitation, while not a new crime, is unique to Seattle. Under city ordinance 12A.10.040, the misdemeanor crime of soliciting or patronizing a prostitute was changed to sexual exploitation. As a simple misdemeanor, those convicted of sexual exploitation charges face up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. There is also a special fine that supports the City of Seattle Sex Industry Victims’ Fund. The fine for the special fund is also $1000.
A person may face sexual exploitation charges in Seattle if they are found in violation of any of the following:
- He or she agrees to pay a fee to another person as compensation for the person or a third party to engage with them in sexual congress or conduct as defined in RCW 9A.88.030
- He or she asks another person to engage in sexual congress or conduct with them with the understanding a fee will be paid
If convicted on charges of sexual exploitation in Seattle, a person faces penalties as follows:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- A fine of up to $1000
- Additional fees and assessments as warranted by law
While the laws regarding the solicitation of a prostitute have not changed, the consequences have become far more severe for many caught dealing with the unintended consequences of this legal name change. Some parties convicted on this charge, which is a misdemeanor, have missed out on employment opportunities because background checks can flag the crime as a felony.
Understanding Sting Operations in Sexual Exploitation Cases
When law enforcement works to rid city streets of crime, they use various tactics to collect evidence and find perpetrators. In sexual exploitation cases, sting operations are quite common, and they are used to provide evidence of intent to engage a prostitute in violation of the law. Stings are created to find perpetrators soliciting sex.
The operation must provide evidence the person has:
- Made an offer to engage in sexual congress or conduct with another person
- Mentioned a sex act
- Named a price and place to conduct the sex act
Many operations are put together using Craigslist, Backpage, and other online sites. The police use digital ads to find both sex workers and solicitors seeking sex acts. They answer sexual requests undercover or pretend to be sex workers online to catch those seeking sexual conduct online.
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