The buying and selling of sex is illegal in the state of Washington. Law enforcement agencies around the country, including Everett, WA, may be increasing enforcement of prostitution and solicitation laws as they promote efforts to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. The statute applies regardless of the gender of the parties to the transaction.
The statute makes no distinction, in terms of criminal liability, between an offer and actual sexual conduct. This can make enforcement of the statute, particularly when undercover work is involved, subject to abuse by unscrupulous law enforcement officers. Prostitution is a misdemeanor offense.
It is also a misdemeanor. Because police often rely on sting operations, using undercover officers posing either as prostitutes or as customers, issues of entrapment often arise.
A person approaching and soliciting an undercover officer may not have strong defense, but a person approached by an undercover officer requesting an offer for a fee may be able to claim entrapment.
Contrary to urban legends, an undercover officer does not have to reveal that they are a cop if asked. If you have been charged with alleged prostitution or solicitation in Seattle, Everett or the western Washington area, an experienced sex crimes defense attorney can help protect your rights. We have represented defendants in criminal cases throughout Washington and obtained substantially reduced sentences, acquittals, and outright dismissals. Contact us today for your confidential case evaluation, or call Entrapment as a Defense Because police often rely on sting operations, using undercover officers posing either as prostitutes or as customers, issues of entrapment often arise.
