Arrested for Solicitation in California? How We Work to Get Charges Dismissed

Being arrested for solicitation in California is intimidating and often embarrassing. For many people, the first thought is: “Will this ruin my career, my family, or my reputation?” Unfortunately, prosecutors in Los Angeles treat solicitation cases seriously, even for first-time offenders. A conviction under California Penal Code § 647(b) PC (solicitation of prostitution) can result in probation, mandatory classes, community service, steep fines, and — most damaging of all — a permanent criminal record that can follow you for life.

But here’s the important truth: a solicitation arrest does not guarantee a conviction. California law requires prosecutors to prove very specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• That you requested, agreed to, or offered to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money or something of value, and

• That you intended to follow through with the act.

If either of these elements is weak, unclear, or unsupported by evidence, the case can often be dismissed, reduced, or resolved without a conviction.

How These Cases Are Built — and How We Attack Them

Most solicitation charges in Los Angeles come from sting operations. Police officers — usually undercover — pose as sex workers in person, through text messages, or on websites and apps. The setup often ends with a quick conversation or exchange that law enforcement claims was an “agreement” to pay for sex.

While this might sound convincing on paper, these sting operations are full of legal flaws that a skilled defense attorney can expose. Here’s how:

Entrapment
In many sting cases, the undercover officer does more than just “wait and see” — they push the conversation forward, suggest sexual services, or even pressure someone into making an offer. If you only went along because the officer repeatedly persuaded you, or if the idea came from law enforcement rather than you, that’s classic entrapment. California law does not allow convictions based on government agents essentially creating the crime.

Lack of a Real Agreement
Not every conversation about money and sex qualifies as solicitation. The law requires a clear agreement. Casual banter, joking around, vague statements like “maybe,” or simply asking questions are not enough. If the words exchanged never formed a definite agreement, then the core element of the crime is missing. We often challenge solicitation cases by showing the conversation was too vague or speculative to prove an actual deal was made.

No Intent to Act
Even if words were exchanged, prosecutors must prove you actually intended to follow through. Maybe you were curious, embarrassed, or never planned to take the next step. If there’s no evidence that you took action — such as driving to a location, bringing money, or confirming details — the state cannot prove intent. Many cases collapse once we highlight that the accused never intended to act beyond words.

Insufficient or Unreliable Evidence
Most solicitation cases rely on recordings, text messages, or the testimony of an undercover officer. But those records are often incomplete, taken out of context, or unreliable. Maybe the video doesn’t show the full conversation. Maybe the texts were ambiguous. Or maybe the officer misrepresented what was actually said. By forcing prosecutors to turn over all evidence and carefully examining inconsistencies, we can often expose weaknesses that make a conviction impossible.

Mistaken Identity
In busy sting operations — especially those involving multiple suspects at the same location or online chats with several people — it’s not uncommon for police to mix up names, phone numbers, or identifying details. Someone else’s words or actions may have been pinned on you simply because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Establishing mistaken identity is one of the strongest defenses when the state’s case rests on sloppy police work or rushed arrests.

Beating the Case Before Court

One of the strongest strategies for fighting a solicitation charge is to act before your first court date. After an arrest, the police report is sent to the District Attorney’s Office, and prosecutors decide whether to file charges under California Penal Code 647(b) PC. If they see the evidence is weak, inconsistent, or legally flawed, they may decline to file the case at all — often called a “DA reject.”

This is where early defense makes a real difference. As your solicitation of prostitution defense lawyer, we step in quickly to present the other side of the story: facts police reports leave out, proof that no crime occurred, or evidence that law enforcement crossed the line. By getting in front of the DA early, we can often stop the case before it ever reaches the courtroom.

Even when charges are filed, early intervention gives us the chance to file strong pre-trial motions — for example, moving to suppress illegally obtained evidence or challenging undercover operations that violated your rights. In many cases, these motions lead to full dismissals or force prosecutors to reduce the charges to something far less serious.

Alternative Resolutions That Protect Your Record

Not every solicitation case has to end in a conviction. For many first-time offenders in Los Angeles, courts allow alternatives that prevent lasting damage to your future. In the right circumstances, we can negotiate diversion programsor other resolutions where the case is dismissed after you complete counseling, community service, or education classes.

This path keeps your record clean and avoids the stigma of a solicitation conviction. The key is knowing which prosecutors and judges are open to these options — and presenting your background, character, and circumstances in the strongest possible light. With the right approach, we can often position your case for a second chance rather than a permanent mark.

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a solicitation arrest is waiting until their first court date to hire a lawyer. By that point, the prosecution may already be committed to pursuing charges. Early intervention gives us the chance to step in, negotiate with the District Attorney, and sometimes stop the case from moving forward altogether.

Attorney Arash Hashemi has more than 20 years of experience defending clients charged with solicitation under Penal Code 647(b) across Los Angeles County. He personally reviews every case, listens to your side of the story, and builds a defense strategy tailored to your situation. Whether it’s fighting for a dismissal, securing a diversion program, or challenging the prosecution’s evidence in court, the goal is always the same: protect your record, your reputation, and your future.

If you or a loved one is facing a solicitation charge in California, don’t wait and hope it goes away on its own. The earlier our criminal defense attorney gets involved, the more opportunities we have to protect you — sometimes even before charges are filed. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. Attorney Hashemi will sit down with you, listen to your side of the story, carefully review your case, and discuss the legal options available to protect your rights and your future.

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Los Angeles, CA 90064
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Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to predict outcomes, as individual circumstances vary and laws may change over time. Those seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified attorney to understand how current laws apply to their specific situation. For detailed legal guidance on the topics discussed, please contact our law firm directly.