- June 13, 2025
- Sex Crimes
Is Soliciting Prostitution a Felony in Michigan?
In Michigan, soliciting prostitution is a criminal offense. Whether it’s classified as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the number of a defendant’s prior convictions and the specific circumstances of the case.
Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, an experienced sex crimes defense attorney can fight to protect your rights and your record.
Legal Definition of Solicitation
Under MCL 750.448, any person aged 16 or older who accosts, solicits, or invites another person in a public place, building, or vehicle to commit prostitution or any other lewd or immoral act is guilty of solicitation. Note that this statute criminalizes the act of propositioning someone for sexual services, regardless of whether the act is completed.
Penalties for Solicitation
The penalties for soliciting prostitution in Michigan escalate with each subsequent offense:
- First offense: A first offense is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
- Second offense: This is still a misdemeanor, with increased penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Third or subsequent offense: Third and subsequent offenses are elevated to a felony. You could be sentenced to up to two years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
- Engaging a minor: Soliciting or engaging in prostitution with a person under 18 is a felony. This crime is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Fortunately, not all solicitation convictions require registration as a sex offender. Only certain offenses, like those involving minors or coercion, require registration. Standard solicitation offenses typically do not.
Finally, anyone arrested for solicitation may be subject to health examinations for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This is to promote public health and provide necessary medical interventions.
Legal Defenses for Solicitation
There are a few common defenses to solicitation:
- Lack of intent: Your attorney may demonstrate that you had no intention to engage in prostitution.
- Entrapment: An entrapment defense argues that law enforcement induced you to commit an offense you otherwise would not have committed.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney can spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and argue that there is reasonable doubt that a crime was committed or that you were the person who committed the crime.
Each case is unique. The best way to find out which defenses could work in your situation is to contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Get Help from a Knowledgeable Michigan Defense Attorney
Even misdemeanor offenses can have serious consequences. If you are dealing with a solicitation charge, you need aggressive, experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and your future.
The Law Office of John Freeman is ready to step in and defend you against solicitation and related charges. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and find out how we can help.