Solicitation Criminal Attorney in Boston

If you have just been arrested or contacted by police about an alleged solicitation offense in Boston, you are likely anxious, embarrassed, and unsure what to do next. A single accusation can threaten your reputation, career, family life, and future opportunities.

My name is Brad Bailey, and I have spent five decades in criminal law, including years as a state and federal prosecutor here in Massachusetts. At Brad Bailey Law, we defend people facing serious and sensitive accusations, and we approach solicitation cases with the discretion and strategic focus they require.

You do not have to navigate this alone. We offer confidential, free consultations, including virtual meetings, so you can talk openly about what happened and learn your options before you take another step.

If you have been caught in a sting, call (617) 500-0252 or reach out online to get a former prosecutor on your side—contact us for a free consultation with a Boston solicitation defense lawyer.

Understanding Solicitation Laws in Massachusetts

In the Commonwealth, solicitation is primarily governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 53A, often referred to as "Engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee." While many associate the term "solicitation" with the act of a prostitute seeking a client, the law applies equally to those seeking to pay for services.

The statute prohibits:

• Paying or Agreeing to Pay: Handing over money or reaching an agreement to pay for sexual conduct.
• Offering to Pay: Merely making an offer to pay for sexual acts, even if no money changes hands and no physical contact occurs.
• Sexual Conduct: Massachusetts defines this broadly to include any manual, oral, or intrusive sexual activity.

It is critical to distinguish simple solicitation from more severe offenses. For instance, soliciting a minor (anyone under 18) under M.G.L. c. 272, § 53A carries exponentially higher penalties and mandatory sex offender registration. Furthermore, "Soliciting for a Prostitute" under M.G.L. c. 272, § 8 typically targets those who act as "pimps" or intermediaries rather than the end customers. A Boston solicitation defense lawyer from our firm will analyze the specific statutes cited in your case to determine the exact level of risk you face.

Penalties of Solicitation Convictions in Boston

The penalties for solicitation in Massachusetts have increased in severity in recent years as the state has shifted its focus toward reducing the demand for commercial sex.

Direct Criminal Penalties

• Misdemeanor Solicitation (Adult Victim): Under § 53A, a conviction for soliciting an adult carries a potential sentence of up to 1 year in a House of Correction and a fine of up to $500.
• Subsequent Offenses: Penalties increase for second and subsequent convictions, often resulting in mandatory jail time and higher fines.
• Solicitation of a Minor: This is a serious felony. Convictions can result in up to 10 years in state prison and mandatory fines between $3,000 and $10,000.

Collateral Consequences

For many of our clients, the "hidden" penalties of a conviction are the most damaging.

• Sex Offender Registration: While a first-time solicitation of an adult generally does not require registration, any solicitation involving a minor or certain aggravated factors will lead to mandatory registration with the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).
• Employment and Professional Standing: A criminal record for a sex-related offense is often grounds for immediate termination or the revocation of professional licenses (medical, legal, or teaching).
• Public Exposure: Law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts sometimes release the names and photos of those arrested in stings to the media, leading to "internet shaming" that can follow you forever.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, a solicitation conviction can be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude, leading to deportation or inadmissibility.

Understanding the Boston Courts Process

Being summoned to court on a solicitation charge can be stressful, especially in an unfamiliar system. In Boston, these cases are typically heard in the Boston Municipal Court or another District Court, depending on where the alleged conduct occurred. Understanding how the local courts operate and what to expect at each stage can make the process more manageable and less intimidating.

The first court date is usually an arraignment, where the charge is formally read, and a not guilty plea is entered. The judge may set conditions of release, such as obeying the law or staying away from certain locations. Having counsel present ensures someone can address bail concerns and begin shaping how the case proceeds from the outset.

After arraignment, cases move through pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and possibly a trial. Timelines vary depending on the court and the legal issues involved. With decades of experience in Boston’s federal and state courts, we guide clients through each step, explain their options clearly, and prepare them thoroughly so there are no unnecessary surprises.

Why Hire Us For Solicitation Defense in Boston

When you are accused of solicitation, the lawyer you choose needs to be both highly seasoned and completely nonjudgmental. Our attorney has been a criminal lawyer for more than five decades, and before he began defending the accused, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan and Middlesex County and as an Assistant United States Attorney in Boston.

We have handled thousands of serious criminal cases and tried more than 100 superior court and federal matters. We have never lost a federal trial. That experience does not guarantee how any future case will turn out, but it does mean we understand what it takes to test the government’s evidence and to prepare a case for trial when necessary.

Our work has been recognized repeatedly. We hold a perfect 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and an AV Preeminent Martindale Hubbell rating, and we have been selected to Super Lawyers for many years from 2004 through 2025. We are also a National Top 100 Trial Lawyer. These acknowledgments reflect the respect of judges, peers, and former clients and show that you are working with a lawyer who is trusted in difficult cases.

How We Approach Solicitation Defense Cases

Every solicitation allegation has its own facts, and we begin by listening carefully to your account and reviewing the police reports, recordings, and any messages or digital evidence. We want to see precisely what the government claims happened and how they think they can prove it. That early analysis shapes the strategy for the rest of the case.

In many solicitation cases, the government relies on undercover operations. That creates issues we consider closely, such as whether law enforcement crossed the line into improper pressure, whether the communications clearly show a criminal agreement, and whether the evidence is complete and reliable. In some cases, entrapment-type arguments may be appropriate, and in others, the focus may be on challenging the sufficiency of the proof or limiting what can be presented in court.

There are often paths, depending on facts, prior history, and the court, to seek outcomes that reduce the long-term impact of a charge. That might involve challenging key pieces of evidence, litigating motions to suppress statements or recordings, or advocating for resolutions that avoid a lasting conviction. We are direct with clients about what is realistic and what is not, because informed decisions require clear information.

If you have just been arrested or contacted by police, some immediate steps are especially important:

• Avoid discussing the incident with officers or investigators without a lawyer present
• Do not talk about the case on social media or with people who may later be witnesses
• Preserve any texts, emails, or call logs connected to the event
• Write down your recollection of what happened while it is still fresh
• Contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer promptly to review your situation

By acting quickly, you give your attorney more options and more time to shape the course of the case before critical decisions are made.

Call Our Solicitation Defense Attorneys in Boston for Confidential Support

A solicitation accusation can feel overwhelming, but you are not the first person to face this, and you are not without options. When we take on a case like this, my goal is to protect you in three key areas whenever the law and facts permit: your liberty, your record, and your reputation.

At Brad Bailey Law, we offer free initial consultations, including virtual meetings for clients who prefer added privacy or have demanding schedules. The firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because many arrests and police contacts do not happen during business hours.

To discuss your situation confidentially with our solicitation attorneys, call (617) 500-0252 or reach out online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a solicitation charge?

Many first-time solicitation cases do not result in jail, but it depends on the facts, your record, and the court. The potential penalties can include fines, probation, or short sentences. We review your specific situation and explain what the realistic risks are in your case.

Can a solicitation case stay off my record?

In some situations, it may be possible to pursue outcomes that reduce the long-term impact on your record. Options can depend on your history, the evidence, and the court’s view of the case. We discuss potential paths with you after reviewing the reports and allegations.

How private will my case be if I hire you?

I treat every solicitation matter with strict confidentiality and without judgment. Court proceedings are generally public, but we work to limit unnecessary attention and to avoid careless disclosures. Virtual meetings and careful communication practices are used when privacy is a particular concern.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after arrest?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as you learn you are under investigation or have been arrested. Early involvement allows counsel to advise you before you speak with law enforcement and to prepare for arraignment. We offer free consultations and are available around the clock for urgent situations.

How does your prosecutor background help in my case?

My years as a state and federal prosecutor mean we understand how police and prosecutors evaluate solicitation accusations. We know what they consider weaknesses and what may move them toward better resolutions. That insight guides both my negotiations and my preparation if your case needs to be litigated.

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