Engaging in or offering to provide sexual services for compensation is a criminal offense here in Minnesota, and whether you’re charged with prostitution or solicitation, you’re going to want an experienced professional in your corner before you head to court. Prostitution charges can have significant legal, personal and professional consequences, so you’ll want the right representation by your side throughout the case. In today’s blog, we share some tips for picking out the right lawyer for your prostitution or solicitation case in Minnesota.
Choosing The Right Prostitution Attorney
When it comes to hiring a defense lawyer to assist with your prostitution or solicitation case, there are a few specific qualities you’ll want to look for in an attorney based on the nature of the case. Here’s what you’l want to look for in a prostitution attorney.
Experience – Due to the delicate and oftentimes complex nature of these cases, you’ll want to hire a firm with extensive experience handling these types of cases. While no two cases are ever exactly the same, you’ll want someone who understands the best ways to challenge all aspects of your arrest and how to build a strong defense.
Local Help – You also want someone who has a thorough understanding of the local laws and has familiarity working in the specific county or courthouse you’re assigned to. It may not seem like a big deal, but being familiar with the local scene and having previous experience with a trial in front of certain prosecutors and judges can make a big difference in your case. Find someone who has a track record of success in the area where your case will be heard.
Empathy – When you take your free case review with the firm, you’ll want to make sure that your lawyer can empathize with your situation. If you are charged with prostitution, you’ll want a firm who takes the time to get to know your situation and is willing to help you out of a bad situation. If you are charged with solicitation, you’ll want a firm who can help you manage the potential personal and professional fallout while also keeping things discrete. If you feel like just another number on their books, find a different firm.
Financially Transparent – During this initial consultation, you’ll also want to make sure you are working with a firm who is transparent about their fees and their billing schedule. The firm may not be able to provide you with an exact cost, but they should be able to lay out a ballpark range and a fee schedule so that there aren’t any financial surprises when the case is over. If you can’t get a clear understanding of their cost, consider looking for another firm.
Communication – Finally, you want to put your trust in a lawyer who is an expert communicator. If this listen to your case and then can put you at ease with their words and their plan for how they’ll handle the case, that bodes well for your future in the courtroom. You want a lawyer who will be able to effectively communicate with you about your case, and you’ll want a lawyer who can effectively pitch your defense to a judge or jury. If they aren’t returning your calls, texts or emails, they may not be the right lawyer for your case. Find an effective communicator, and you case will be in good hands.
If you’re looking for a firm with all the above qualities, we think you’ll find it in Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm. For more information, or for help with a different criminal matter, reach out to our team today at (952) 224-2277.
