Prostitution stings are commonplace here in Minnesota because the law allows officers and law enforcement agents to go undercover as a sex worker to get people to commit the crime of solicitation. Back in the day, agents would pose as prostitutes in bars or on street corners, but the advent of the internet means many stings have gone digital. More clients are connecting with prostitutes through the internet, so it stands to reason that stings should also transition to the internet, and it is also safer for the undercover agent because they don’t need to be in close proximity to the perpetrator.
Certain actions need to take place during a sting operation in order for a person to have committed the crime of solicitation. Officers basically need to prove that an agreement existed to exchange goods or money for sexual favors, and the perpetrator acted or began acting in such a way to complete the transaction. Clients and providers will often use code words in order to hide the nature of their business, but that won’t keep you free from prosecution.
Police Sting Basics
Most police stings operate like this. A law enforcement agency places an advertisement online on places like Backpage.com or Craigslist suggesting that they can provide “general” services for money. The meaning of the exchange may be implied and is rarely ever directly laid out. The interested client will then call a phone number, which is recorded by police. The call will direct them to a certain location, and they may be asked to call again when they are in a certain area, like a neighborhood or hotel lobby. From there, the client would get a specific location to meet the provider.
In some instances, arriving at the specific location is enough evidence (based on the ad and the phone conversations) to warrant an arrest. In other scenarios, the client will meet with an undercover provider who will directly or discreetly ask what services they are interested. Prices will be laid out, and once a price is paid or a “donation” is given, the crime is considered to be committed and the undercover agent will signal for backup and the perpetrator will be placed under arrest. This certainly isn’t the only way for a sting to go down, but this is a common way we’ve seen stings go down.
Police officers often work with prosecutors during police stings to help ensure everything is by the book and the prosecution gets boatload of evidence to convict the person. The odds are certainly stacked against someone charged with prostitution, which is why you should fight back by hiring a defense lawyer.
Avery and his team have defended a number of individuals who have been charged with prostitution. Even if it seems like it’s an open and shut case, a defense attorney can typically work with the prosecution and get the charge reduced or the penalties adjusted. For example, if staying out of jail is a necessity, a defense lawyer may be able to arrange a plea deal where jail is not in the cards. Don’t get us wrong, we’ll do everything in our power to win your case outright, but it’s also nice to know you have options, even if things look dark.
Minneapolis Prostitution Attorney
Contact Avery Appelman and his team at Appelman Law Firm if you want more information about police stings, or if you need help after being caught in a police sting operation in Minnesota.