Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog
Ypsilanti news reports that police have arrested 6 men for allegedly soliciting prostitution as part of a sting conducted in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township last week. The arrests were part of Enforcement Against Street Walking in Ypsilanti (E.A.S.Y.), a program aimed at eliminating the root causes of prostitution. Law enforcement, elected officials and the judicial system have all joined together in this anti-prostitution effort. Sources indicate that at least 5 additional prostitution arrests have been made in that area since May.
In fact, police in Washtenaw County, as well as Wayne, Oakland and Kalamazoo have a reputation for setting up “stings” to lure unsuspecting, law-abiding individuals to solicit a prostitute. As part of the sting, police dress up as prostitutes and arrest individuals who allegedly approach them for their sexual services. Solicitation and prostitution are both illegal – and if arrested for either, individuals face tough penalties and fines. If a second offense occurs, convictions carry with them increased penalties. An experienced Michigan prostitution defense attorney is necessary to fight the charges.
Potential penalties include, but are not limited to:
• Civil forfeitures of property, including your car
• Sexually transmitted disease testing
• Registration as a sex offender under the Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act
In many cases, individuals arrested for solicitation were not intending to hire a prostitute and may have been entrapped by overzealous police officers. A knowledgeable sex crime defense law firm can evaluate the circumstances and immediately begin preparing your defense to protect your reputation. In the event your car has been taken, aggressive sex crimes defense lawyers can act quickly to reclaim your property.
When law enforcement decides to “crack down,” beware. Often times innocent individuals become victims of police seeking to make arrests. If you have been arrested for prostitution or solicitation, seek the help of an experienced prostitution and solicitation defense firm at once. For more information, contact the Michigan sex crimes defense firm of Grabel & Associates for an immediate response.