Minnesota Solicitation of Prostitution Defense Attorney
Charged with solicitation of prostitution in Minnesota? You’re not just facing embarrassment—you’re facing serious legal consequences that can impact your freedom, finances, and future. A conviction can follow you for years, affecting employment, housing, and relationships.
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, we expose weak evidence, challenge unlawful police procedures, and deliver aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights and restore your reputation.
When you hire our Minnesota solicitation of prostitution defense attorneys, you are putting a battle-tested criminal defense firm on your side. We have decades of courtroom experience and a track record of success, and we take on prosecutors head-on.
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Understanding Solicitation of Prostitution Charges
Under Minnesota Statutes, solicitation of prostitution is a criminal offense that can be charged whether money changes hands or not, and even if no sexual act occurs. The law targets anyone who offers, agrees to, or engages in prostitution-related activity, including through online messages, texts, or phone calls.
In Minnesota, solicitation of prostitution can occur in several contexts:
- Offering to pay a person for sex (regardless of whether the act occurs)
- Agreeing to engage in prostitution services
- Engaging with undercover officers in sting operations
- Using websites, forums, or apps to arrange paid sexual encounters
The law does not require physical contact or the exchange of money—intent alone can trigger an arrest.
What Are the Penalties for Solicitation in Minnesota?
The consequences of a conviction depend on the facts of the case, including the location of the alleged incident, the age of the person involved, and any prior criminal history.
No Obligation Consultation
Max A. Keller
Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.
Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Charges
Most solicitation of prostitution charges are filed as misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
- Soliciting an adult for sex is usually charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- If the solicitation occurs in a public place (such as a park or street), it may be enhanced to a gross misdemeanor, carrying up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Felony Charges
If the person solicited is a minor, even if the buyer believes the individual is an adult, prosecutors can file felony charges that carry far more serious penalties:
- Soliciting someone under age 18 is a sex crime that can result in up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
- If the individual is under 16, the sentence can increase to 20 years and a $40,000 fine.
- In some cases, a conviction can lead to life-long sex offender registration.
The courts are aggressive in these cases. Prosecutors are not interested in leniency. They want convictions. That’s why you need a defense lawyer who is equally aggressive and fully prepared to dismantle the case against you.
Get a former prosecutor on your side. Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 now.
The Stigma Is Real. So Is the Fight to Clear Your Name
Prostitution-related offenses carry a heavy stigma. Even if you’re never convicted, an arrest can tarnish your record, threaten your job, and wreck your reputation. Employers, licensing boards, landlords, and even family courts may judge you based on an allegation.
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, we take these consequences seriously. We know how law enforcement and prosecutors try to shame defendants into guilty pleas by stacking charges, leaking arrest information, or implying guilt through innuendo. We counter those tactics with focused legal strategy, motion practice, and aggressive trial preparation.
Entrapment Is a Key Defense in Many Solicitation Cases
Sting operations are common in Minnesota prostitution cases, and technology is changing the way police stings look. In the old days, an undercover prostitution sting referred to a police woman standing on a corner, dressed provocatively, and soliciting unwary customers.
Today, many Twin Cities police departments like St. Paul, Minneapolis, Maplewood, Fridley, and Coon Rapids post internet ads on Backpages.com, chat apps, message boards, and similar platforms known for adult services.
The ads solicit prostitution customers, just like the old-time street walkers would do. They usually feature blurred photos of seductive men and women to lure people in. The body of the ad typically contains vague, coded language that implies sexual services without stating them explicitly. Contact information might include a phone number or instructions to message through an encrypted app like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Snapchat. The goal is to make the ad appear authentic enough to draw in individuals who are actively seeking paid sexual encounters.
Typically, the police will force prospective customers or “Johns” to call them several times to get more and more specific directions, ultimately leading to meeting in a hotel room. Once contact is made, an undercover officer posing as the sex worker may encourage the target to discuss rates or services in more detail. The officer will often try to prompt clear language about payment for sex to strengthen the case for solicitation.
What they don’t tell you is that these tactics often cross the line into entrapment—a legal defense that can destroy the prosecution’s case.
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed. If we can prove that officers coerced or manipulated you into making an offer, the court may dismiss the charges.
Our law firm digs into sting records, call transcripts, chat logs, and surveillance footage to uncover misconduct and show the full picture—not just the narrative the prosecution wants to sell.
If entrapment played a role in your arrest, call (952) 913-1421 now. Let’s get started on your defense.
You Have a Constitutional Right to Challenge the Evidence
Many solicitation cases fall apart under scrutiny because the prosecution’s evidence is weak, improperly obtained, or incomplete. At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, we dissect every element of the state’s case to look for constitutional violations and strategic weak points:
- Was there probable cause for your arrest?
- Did the police obtain chat logs, texts, or recordings legally?
- Were your Miranda rights violated during questioning?
- Did the officers follow lawful procedures in the sting operation?
- Is there any actual evidence of intent to exchange money for sex?
This isn’t just about finding holes. It’s about using those holes to collapse the prosecution’s entire case.
Online Activity Does Not Equal Guilt
Many solicitation cases hinge on digital evidence. But law enforcement often jumps to conclusions based on vague online messages or chats. A poorly worded text, a misunderstood emoji, or an ambiguous conversation can lead to charges that don’t match the facts.
Our defense team brings in digital forensic experts when necessary to challenge the state’s interpretation of online exchanges. Just because you visited a website or responded to a message doesn’t mean you committed a crime.
If law enforcement overreached, we call it out. If the evidence doesn’t meet the burden of proof, we demand dismissal.
First-Time Offender? You Still Need a Strong Defense
Some first-time offenders hope for leniency or diversion. While Minnesota does offer limited options for first-time misdemeanor solicitation charges, don’t assume the court will go easy on you. Prosecutors and judges take these cases seriously, and without proper legal representation, you may be stuck with a criminal record for life.
A conviction for even a minor solicitation offense can:
- Disqualify you from employment opportunities
- Bar you from certain professional licenses
- Impact child custody proceedings
- Lead to mandatory education classes or counseling
- Result in travel restrictions
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, we pursue every available option to protect your future. That means fighting for dismissal, negotiating reduced charges, or exploring pretrial diversion—whatever it takes to secure the best outcome.
Call (952) 913-1421 to protect your future. Consultations are free.
Why Choose Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for Solicitation Defense?
You won’t find a passive approach at our law firm. We don’t sit back and wait for prosecutors to make the first move. We take control of your defense from day one, forcing the state to prove every element of its case and refusing to accept assumptions or shortcuts.
What Sets Our Firm Apart?
- Decades of courtroom experience: Attorneys Max Keller and Barry S. Edwards have handled thousands of criminal cases. We know how Minnesota prosecutors operate.
- Trial-tested strategies: We prepare every case like it’s going to trial—because that’s often what it takes to win.
- Aggressive motion practice: We file suppression motions, challenge unlawful searches, and attack flawed charging documents.
- Personalized legal counsel: We don’t hand off your case to junior associates. You work directly with our experienced defense attorneys who understand what’s at stake.
From Minneapolis to St. Paul and across the state, Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has built a reputation for fearless defense and real results.
Arrested in a Sting? Don’t Talk—Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys
Sting operations are designed to provoke a response. Once you take the bait, officers move in fast, often using aggressive or humiliating tactics. In these moments, saying the wrong thing—or saying anything at all—can damage your case.
If you’ve been arrested, don’t explain yourself to police. Don’t try to clear things up. Don’t agree to an interview. Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys immediately at (952) 913-1421. We’ll step in to protect your rights, stop the interrogation, and take over your defense.
What to Expect After a Solicitation Charge
Not everyone is arrested on solicitation charges right away. In many cases, police investigate events, and monitor behaviors, and prosecutors continue building their cases for days, weeks, or even months before finally arresting a suspect. Knowing what to expect after an arrest for solicitation can help you prepare so that you don’t do anything to compromise your case.
Booking and Arraignment
After an arrest, you’ll be fingerprinted and booked into jail. You’ll be scheduled for an arraignment. This is where you’ll enter a plea. If you hire our attorneys before this hearing, we may be able to negotiate a release on your own recognizance or reduced bail, depending on the circumstances.
Pretrial Investigation and Motions
We launch our own investigation right away, gathering evidence the police may have ignored. We also file pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss weak charges.
Negotiation or Trial
If the case can be resolved with a favorable plea or diversion, we’ll present your options and help you make an informed decision. If prosecutors refuse to back down, we’re fully prepared to go to trial.
No matter how far your case goes, you’ll have an aggressive, experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner.
Contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Confidential Consultation
Getting charged with solicitation of prostitution in Minnesota is a serious legal matter, but it does not have to define your future. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has the tools and courtroom strength to defend you.
We provide confidential consultations and swift legal support for individuals across Minnesota facing solicitation charges. Whether your case stems from a sting operation, digital communication, or mistaken identity, we will challenge every element of the accusation and fight to clear your name.
With offices in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys serves clients throughout Minnesota in state and federal courts. We handle misdemeanor and felony charges related to solicitation, prostitution, and other sex crime allegations.
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your defense will be. If you’ve been charged—or if you suspect you’re under investigation—contact our office today. Call (952) 913-1421 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.
No Obligation Consultation
Max A. Keller
Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.
