Tinder user faces charges for solicitation of prostitute

In Virginia, exchanging sexual favors for financial or other compensation constitutes the crime of prostitution. However, even attempting to exchange money for sexual activity, whether you are the one soliciting services or providing them, is a crime and is referred to as solicitation.

A Virginia man is facing criminal charges after he reportedly used Tinder to offer two women money in exchange for sex. The women apparently agreed to be paid for the sex acts, but never received any money. The man was charged with two misdemeanor counts of solicitations of a prostitute.

Generally, prostitution is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia and can result in penalties of up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine. Solicitation of a prostitution is also a Class 1 misdemeanor and can result in similar penalties. Generally, these charges increase depending on the specifics of the crime. For example, if a person age 16 or older allegedly solicits prostitution from a minor, they could be charged with a Class 6 felony and face much more serious penalties. If someone under the age of 16 allegedly solicits prostitution from a minor, they could be charged with a Class 5 felony.

Crimes involving the promotion of prostitution (e.g. human trafficking) are considered very severe crimes and are punished much more severely than one-on-one prostitution and solicitation crimes. Promoting prostitution generally refers to detaining someone for the purposes of prostitution, facilitating prostitution, or receiving money from the earnings of a prostitute. These crimes generally result in Class 4 felony charges and significant jail time, if convicted.

Criminal charges relating to prostitution or solicitation of prostitution can result in serious consequences and leave a black mark on your criminal record. A criminal defense attorney can assist with your claim and help defend you against these charges.