Seattle Sexual Exploitation Attorney
Helping Clients Fight Seattle Criminal Charges
The words used to describe a crime are important, which is why Seattle criminal charges, like sexual exploitation, have complicated the pursuit of justice in the city. It can be argued that the charge is unnecessarily confusing, leading to unintended consequences for everyone involved. The impression given by a charge of sexual exploitation can make a lower-level misdemeanor sound more dangerous and severe a crime than the statute defines.
Call (206) 895-6800 to schedule a consultation. We can begin working on your case immediately.
What is the Charge of Sexual Exploitation?
The charge of sexual exploitation, while not a new crime, is unique to Seattle. Under city ordinance 12A.10.040, the misdemeanor crime of soliciting or patronizing a prostitute was changed to sexual exploitation. As a simple misdemeanor, those convicted of sexual exploitation charges face up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. There is also a special fine that supports the City of Seattle Sex Industry Victims’ Fund. The fine for the special fund is also $1000.
A person may face sexual exploitation charges in Seattle if they are found in violation of any of the following:
- He or she agrees to pay a fee to another person as compensation for the person or a third party to engage with them in sexual congress or conduct as defined in RCW 9A.88.030
- He or she asks another person to engage in sexual congress or conduct with them with the understanding a fee will be paid
If convicted on charges of sexual exploitation in Seattle, a person faces penalties as follows:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- A fine of up to $1000
- Additional fees and assessments as warranted by law
While the laws regarding the solicitation of a prostitute have not changed, the consequences have become far more severe for many caught dealing with the unintended consequences of this legal name change. Some parties convicted on this charge, which is a misdemeanor, have missed out on employment opportunities because background checks can flag the crime as a felony.
Sting Operations in Sexual Exploitation Cases
When law enforcement works to rid city streets of crime, they use various tactics to collect evidence and find perpetrators. In sexual exploitation cases, sting operations are quite common, and they are used to provide evidence of intent to engage a prostitute in violation of the law. Stings are created to find perpetrators soliciting sex.
The operation must provide evidence the person has:
- Made an offer to engage in sexual congress or conduct with another person
- Mentioned a sex act
- Named a price and place to conduct the sex act
Many operations are put together using Craigslist, Backpage, and other online sites. The police use digital ads to find both sex workers and solicitors seeking sex acts. They answer sexual requests undercover or pretend to be sex workers online to catch those seeking sexual conduct online.
Creating a Defense in Sexual Exploitation Cases
At Guadagno Law, PLLC, we are committed to helping our clients put together the best defense for their cases. Regardless of the charges in your case, the legal system provides every defendant a defense. The stress of facing these serious charges can lead to long-term consequences, both personal and professional. Our firm provides defenses for those soliciting prostitution and sex workers accused of prostitution. Our legal team will fight to have your charges dismissed, but if that’s not possible, we will aggressively fight your case to seek a positive outcome.
When putting together a defense of sexual exploitation charges, our attorneys will focus on the circumstance of your arrest. Were you involved in a sting operation? We will thoroughly investigate the details of the sting to ensure your rights were not violated and you weren’t coerced during questioning. If you’ve been accused of practicing prostitution and you are being trafficked, our attorney will vigorously defend you against these charges.
Call (206) 895-6800 to schedule a consultation. We can start fighting your Seattle sexual exploitation charges right away.
Our Satisfied Clients
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“I was able to win my case due to him.”
After having experienced one of the most difficult times in my life after being charged for a crime, I contacted Albert at Guadagno Law. Albert was able to help me in this difficult time and was able to take a very stressful situation and put me at ease. Albert promised that he would work hard and diligently for me, and he did. I was able to win my case due to him. Albert was gracious, direct, and honest about my case and what he was going to do to help me win. I will highly recommend Guadagno Law if one needs to seek legal advice.- Ben -
“Impressive defense attorney”
I have never had to hire an attorney before and Albert was just amazing. He took on my case quickly and was incredibly efficient and professional. He spent hours with me on the phone over several months, helping to ease my fears and worries and offering words of encouragement and advice. Albert is kind, thoughtful and generous with his time and I consider him a friend. He was very supportive to me during such A difficult time in my life. He fought tirelessly for me and my family with great success. He truly went above and beyond to fight for a full dismissal. I highly recommend his services.- Coral -
“Puts his heart & soul into protecting his clients”
I have been a client of Alberts for going on 3 years, he has been there for me during a very difficult time in my life. Never was there a time when I was not able to be in contact him, weekday or weekends. He has given his all to go to bat for me and defend me in every possible way. He is very educated in his profession! I have again and again recommended him to anyone I know who is in need of representation.- Jay M. -
“Albert was incredible!!”
Albert was absolutely amazing! He quickly took my case on short notice and helped me immensely. I highly recommend him. If you are hesitant or feeling apprehensive, DONT!! He is worth every penny- Tracy -
“The best and professional lawyer”
Mr.Guadagno is very professional, friendly , attentive and very supportive when you face a difficult situation. Gave you support and comfort makes you feel you have someone who really cares and is there to help you. Always available to reach regardless if it is week days or weekend. Response to you immediately and works with you. We really really appreciate his support in a time we were stressed out he gave us so much comfort. Really recommend him to others. Grateful to know him .- Adiba -
“Excelente”
Sinceramente estoi satisfecha porque Alberto Guandageno Alludo muy bien enel casi de mi hijo lo recomiendo hiso un excelente trabajo en la defensa de mi hijo si yo le mandaba textos me respondía en minutos si le abla a por teléfono inmediatamente me respondía igual si le escribí correos electrónicos respondía rápido y me desia esactamente lo que estaba pasando enel caso de mi hijo porque mi hijo dio autorización que me dijera lo que pasaba y gracias a él abogado Alberto todo salió bien es un ángel que Dios pone en el camino de los que nesesitan su alluda muchas gracias abogado Alberto Guandageno- Mamá feliz -
“Albert Guadagno truly cares”
Albert really goes above and beyond to not only treat you as a client - but as a human. He listens to your situation, tries to understand from different sides, and lets you know what to expect honestly without sugar-coating. His year’s of experience in law really helps you navigate a, sometimes, convoluted legal system with confidence affordably and with careful attention to detail. Highly recommend.- Kienan -
“110% in your corner”
Albert is 110% in your corner. His prior experience as a prosecutor is what drew me to hiring him. He knows the process from all sides and will fight for you as well as explain outcome possibilities in great detail. He is also a tremendous listener who empathizes and puts your mind at ease (without giving you false expectations) He is a consummate professional of whom I would hire again if needed. Go with someone that not only has the knowledge and skills to help you through your case, but will also be a human being by listening to your concerns. Go with Albert.- CS