Most people know that it is illegal for any person to offer sexual favors in exchange for money or anything else of value. However, being on the other side of this exchange is also punishable by law. Merely offering property or cash for sex violates state law, and a conviction can carry harsh penalties. However, the State bears the burden of proving that an act of solicitation, known as ‘pandering’ in Griffin, occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the prosecution must demonstrate that an exchange has happened or that the parties intended for the exchange to happen.
If you have been accused of purchasing sexual favors, a Griffin pandering lawyer is here to help. They can work tirelessly to explain your rights, describe the laws that control your case, and fight to defend your future every step of the way. Contact our firm today to discuss your unique case with a dedicated defense attorney.
No statute in the state’s criminal laws specifically uses the term ‘solicitation’. However, the laws do describe the act of purchasing sex, which is the common definition of solicitation. Georgia law uses the term ‘pandering’ to describe this activity.
The general concept remains the same. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-6-12 says it is illegal to solicit another person to perform a sexual act in exchange for anything of value. This can include situations where the defendant intends to participate in the sex personally or procures the services for another.
State criminal law treats pandering as a severe offense. For a first conviction, pandering is considered a high and aggravated misdemeanor and the court can impose a fine of up to $5,000 and a jail term of up to twelve months. In addition, a court must require that a person receiving a conviction resulting in jail time serve at least 72 hours in custody. Second or subsequent convictions are felonies where a minimum prison sentence of one year applies and there is a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. A Griffin attorney could provide more information about the concept of pandering under state law.
Allegations of pandering can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. For example, if someone has been accused of soliciting sex from an individual under the age of 18, the legal and personal consequences of such a charge are severe. According to O.C.G.A. § 16-6-13, convictions of this nature are felonies that carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years. In the most extreme examples, convictions can result in a 30-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $100,000.
Fighting back against these allegations is essential. A Griffin pandering attorney can help evaluate the police work that led to the arrest, examine the facts of the case, and determine the best defense strategy. This can include disputing whether the exchange occurred or arguing that a sexual encounter was consensual without the promise of money or property.
Allegations of solicitation, otherwise known as pandering in Griffin, are serious matters. A conviction of this nature often requires jail time and heft fines. Universally, this will create a criminal record that could make it difficult to obtain employment or certain housing.
A Griffin pandering lawyer can help you to avoid these unfortunate results. They can stand by your side to gather powerful evidence, question the legality of police work, and present potent defenses to juries. Contact the law offices of J. Ryan Brown today to schedule an appointment.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
