Arrested in a Michigan Sex Sting? Here’s What You Need to Know
Jan 14, 2024, by Criminal Defense, Legal Blog, Sex Crimes inMichigan law enforcement and the FBI are heavily focused on catching individuals involved in sex crimes within the state, and they’re not just focusing on prostitution. Law enforcement are concerned with human trafficking and online solicitation.
However, with such an emphasis on finding and charging individuals involved with sex crimes, the police can become overzealous and make mistakes.
If you were in the wrong place at the wrong time and arrested as part of a sex sting, you should immediately call a Detroit prostitution lawyer with Davis Law Group at (313) 818-3238.
What Are Sex Sting Operations?
Sex sting operations involve undercover agents posing as participants in illegal sexual activities to catch individuals in the act of committing sex crimes. While these operations are essential tools in preventing sexual exploitation, they can also lead to cases of mistaken identity or wrongful accusations.
The agents can take different roles and “offer” different services to their targets. For instance, some agencies are focusing on the activities surrounding prostitution, and sex rings have moved from local street corners to social media platforms and websites like Backpage.com.
It can be very easy to be caught up in law enforcement’s wide net. The charges are very real, and you could face significant consequences.
Charges You May Face After a Sex Sting
When the police conduct a sex sting, they are looking for all types of people involved in a variety of illegal activities.
In many sting situations, police officers go undercover to determine if someone will solicit prostitution or offer some type of sexual conduct in exchange for money.
It is possible that an undercover cop can entice you into doing or saying something you normally would never do. If this happened to you, ask an attorney about entrapment right away.
Sex stings can lead to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
Prostitution
Engaging in prostitution – the exchange of a sex act for pay – is a misdemeanor in Michigan. You can be sentenced to jail or probation and be required to pay fines. However, if you have a previous prostitution charge on your record, you can expect a harsher punishment, or you may even face a felony offense.
Solicitation
If the police have evidence that you solicited, invited, asked for, or accosted another person in a public place or vehicle in order to commit prostitution or another lewd act, then you can be charged with solicitation under Michigan law. A first charge for solicitation is a misdemeanor as well. A second charge is a misdemeanor with additional penalties, while a subsequent offense is a felony.
Engaging the sexual services of a minor
If the police believe you engaged in prostitution or solicited sexual services from an individual younger than 18 years old then you can be charged with a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Detaining a person for prostitution
If the police believe you detained a person in a house to force that person into prostitution, you will be charged with a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Transporting a person for prostitution
If you are charged with transporting or causing the transportation of a person for the purposes of compelling that individual to engage in prostitution, you can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
Appropriating earnings of a person engaged in prostitution
If there is any evidence that you accepted or took the earnings of a person engaged in prostitution, you could be found guilty of a felony and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Legal Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges
It’s crucial to take any charges from a sex sting seriously. Defending against these charges might involve proving:
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating you had no intention to participate in a sex act.
- Entrapment: Arguing that an officer coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise would not have.
- Mistaken Identity: Showing you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
- Misunderstanding: Clarifying a misunderstanding that led to your arrest.
- False Online Identity: Proving that you were not the user who solicited online.
Are Sex Stings Considered Entrapment?
Not necessarily. It can be difficult to prove entrapment, however, that does not mean it is not the best defense for your situation.
Entrapment is more than being enticed into a criminal situation. For entrapment to take place, a law enforcement agent must have forced you, an unwilling person, to participate in the offense.
You will have to demonstrate in court that you did not have any predisposition or intent to engage in a crime and that the police officer convinced you to do so.
A Detroit Prostitution Lawyer Is Here to Help
There are few things more embarrassing than getting caught up in a sex sting and facing sex crime charges. Davis Law Group understands this can irreparably affect your reputation, family, and career.
Attorney Maurice Davis is ready to hear your story. As your legal representative, we will aggressively fight for your rights and freedom in court, including negotiating a beneficial plea bargain.
Call today at (313) 818-3238. or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.