Solicit for Prostitution in Public Place is found in section 12(2)(B) of the Sex Work Act 1994 in Victoria. It is a criminal offence that exists to protect the safety of sex workers and those in the community, especially that areas of high public prostitution generally experience an increase in drug culture, littering, and trespassing. The offence is committed by a person who invites or encourages a sex worker to engage in sexual behaviour in exchange for financial benefit.
Have you been accused of Solicit for Prostitution in Public Place?
Have you been accused of Solicit for Prostitution in Public Place?
Interview
The investigating officers will likely have already gathered a significant amount of evidence prior to interview for the offence of Deliberately Omitting Information. It is important to seek expert legal advice prior to the interview so that you can discuss with a lawyer how to navigate the interview process, what type of questions to expect and how to manage questions when investigating officers ask them.It is also important to get on the “front foot” to defend these sorts of matters and retrieve documents which may assist you in court later on.
The offence of Deliberately Omitting Information carries significant financial penalties. You should contact us to obtain legal advice prior to the interview.
Pleading Not Guilty
Our lawyers have extensive experience defending white collar crime cases. Prior to deciding whether or not to contest a charge of Deliberately Omitting Information, you should seek advice from one of our lawyers. Cases of this nature will typically involve reviewing a large amount of evidence which should be considered by an expert prior to you deciding how you will proceed with your case.Pleading Guilty
If you decide to plead guilty, you should engage one of our lawyers to prepare the plea to ensure you get the best possible result. Preparing the plea will involve considering how to explain the offending to the Court, gathering character evidence, referring you to offence-specific courses where relevant and preparing plea submissions.Pleading guilty to the offence of Deliberately Omitting Information can result in significant financial penalties. Engaging a lawyer for your plea will help reduce the quantum of any penalty imposed.
Which court will the case be heard in?
As a summary offence, any summons for this charge will primarily be handled by the Magistrates’ Court.What is the legal definition of Solicit for Prostitution in Public Place?
A person must not invite a person to offer sex work services to themselves or others in a public place.Examples of Solicit for Prostitution in Public Place
- Engaging the services of a sex worker in a public place. For example in parkland, backstreet or private property.
- Requesting the services of a sex worker who is on the way home from her shift at a brothel.
Elements of the offence
The Prosecution must prove:- That the accused had been in a public place; and
- That the accused was inviting or soliciting any person to offer sex work services to himself or herself with him or her or with another person.
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 12(2)(b) of the Sex Work Act 1994.Defences
Criminal defences that may be available, amongst others to this charge include honest and reasonable mistake or belief, concept of beyond reasonable doubt, incorrect factual matrix, and absence of the required intent.Questions in cases like this
- How was the agreement made?
- Where did the alleged activity take place?
- Was there a payment?
