Being arrested for solicitation in Orlando can leave you feeling scared, overwhelmed, and isolated. These charges often stem from undercover stings, misunderstood conversations, or situations that escalate quickly into criminal accusations. At Rentz Law, Attorney Carrie L. Rentz provides discreet, strategic defense for clients facing solicitation charges in Orange and Seminole Counties.
Whether your case involves an undercover operation on International Drive, an online sting, or a misunderstanding in a hotel corridor near downtown Orlando, you get direct access to an experienced attorney who understands how these cases are built and how to challenge them.
How Rentz Law Can Help After a Solicitation Arrest in Orlando
Local courtroom experience – Carrie regularly defends solicitation cases at the Orange County Courthouse (425 N. Orange Ave.) and the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center (Sanford), with practical knowledge of local judges and prosecutors.
Familiar with undercover tactics – Many solicitation arrests in Central Florida result from coordinated sting operations along Orange Blossom Trail (OBT), International Drive, downtown Orlando hotels, and Lake Buena Vista hospitality corridors.
Hands-on representation – Carrie personally manages your case from investigation through resolution, with no hand-offs to junior attorneys.
Communication your way – Reach your attorney directly via text, phone, or email with guaranteed discretion throughout your case.
Meet Your Solicitation Defense Attorney
Carrie L. Rentz is a former prosecutor with over two decades of criminal defense experience in Central Florida courts. She understands how law enforcement builds solicitation cases, the weaknesses that often appear in undercover operations, and how to protect your rights when evidence is ambiguous or obtained through coercive tactics.
20+ Years of Experience Serving Orange and Seminole Counties
Understanding Solicitation Charges in Florida
Under Florida Statute §796.07(2)(f), solicitation occurs when a person solicits, induces, entices, or procures another to commit prostitution, lewdness, or assignation. This is distinct from prostitution itself—solicitation charges typically involve offering money or something of value in exchange for sexual acts, or encouraging someone else to engage in prostitution.
Common scenarios leading to solicitation arrests in Orlando include:
- Responding to online ads or escort listings
- Conversations with undercover officers posing as sex workers
- Text message or app-based negotiations that law enforcement interprets as solicitation
- Hotel room stings along International Drive, Universal Boulevard, or near Convention Center areas
- Street-level enforcement on OBT or in downtown nightlife zones
Even when no physical contact occurs and no money changes hands, Florida law allows arrests based on the alleged offer or agreement alone. This creates a wide legal net that often captures ambiguous situations, miscommunications, or entrapment scenarios.
How Common Are Solicitation Arrests in Orange and Seminole Counties?
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Uniform Crime Reports, Orange County consistently records over 100 prostitution-related arrests annually, with a significant portion involving solicitation charges. Orlando’s status as a major tourism and hospitality hub makes it a priority area for multi-agency prostitution enforcement operations.
Law enforcement agencies frequently conduct coordinated stings in:
- International Drive hotel corridors
- Orange Blossom Trail (OBT) between downtown Orlando and Florida Mall
- Downtown Orlando entertainment districts near Orange Avenue and Church Street
- Lake Buena Vista and Universal Orlando Resort hotel zones
- Seminole County corridors along I-4 and SR 436 near Altamonte Springs
These operations rely heavily on undercover officers, online ads, dating apps, and message-based communications—evidence that is often subject to interpretation and can be challenged when scrutinized in court.
What Happens After a Solicitation Arrest in Orlando?
Understanding the legal process can help reduce anxiety and allow you to make informed decisions early in your case.
Booking and Release – Many solicitation arrests result in a booking at the Orange County Jail or John E. Polk Correctional Facility (Seminole County), followed by a Notice to Appear or bond release. Some defendants are released quickly, while others remain in custody pending first appearance.
First Appearance (≈24 hours) – A judge reviews probable cause and may set conditions of release, including potential no-contact orders if the case involves alleged victims or ongoing investigations.
Arraignment – The formal hearing where charges are read and you enter a plea. This is often the first opportunity to negotiate with prosecutors or request diversion options.
Pre-Trial and Discovery – Your attorney reviews all evidence, including:
- Text messages, chat logs, and app communications
- Audio and video recordings from undercover operations
- Police reports and officer testimony preparation
- Witness statements and surveillance footage
Negotiation and Motions – We challenge evidence through motions to suppress, argue entrapment defenses, and pursue dismissal, diversion, or reduced charges based on case weaknesses.
Resolution or Trial – Depending on the strength of your defense and the State’s willingness to negotiate, your case may resolve through dismissal, pre-trial diversion, plea to lesser charges, or trial.
How We Defend Solicitation Cases in Orlando
Solicitation cases often hinge on interpretation, intent, and the conduct of undercover officers. Our approach is always tailored to the specific facts and evidence in your case.
Initial Case Review – We analyze all communications, recordings, police reports, and officer notes to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, and potential defenses.
Investigation & Evidence Challenges – We focus on:
- Entrapment – Did law enforcement induce conduct you were not predisposed to commit?
- Ambiguous language – Were statements unclear, subject to interpretation, or taken out of context?
- Coercive tactics – Did undercover officers use pressure, suggestion, or misleading statements?
- Lack of agreement – Was there a clear, mutual understanding of illegal conduct?
- Identity issues – Can the State prove you were the person who made the alleged statements?
- Recording quality – Are audio or video recordings incomplete, edited, or unclear?
Negotiation & Mitigation – We pursue:
- Pre-trial diversion programs (especially for first-time offenders)
- Reduction to non-criminal violations when possible
- Withhold of adjudication to avoid a criminal conviction record
- Alternative sentencing that protects your employment and reputation
Court Representation – If your case proceeds to trial, we challenge the credibility of undercover officers, highlight gaps in evidence, and present your side of the story with precision and clarity.
Communication & Support – Solicitation cases carry significant social stigma. We handle your case with complete discretion and keep you informed at every stage through direct, private communication.
Your Right to Fair Representation
An arrest for solicitation does not mean you are guilty. You have the right to:
- Remain silent and refuse to answer questions without an attorney present
- Challenge the evidence and tactics used by law enforcement
- Present your defense at trial
- Be treated fairly throughout the legal process
Many solicitation cases involve overreach, misunderstandings, or flawed undercover operations. Our role is to ensure the facts—not assumptions—decide your case, and that your constitutional rights are protected at every stage.
Potential Penalties for Solicitation in Florida
Solicitation charges under Florida law carry serious consequences, even for first-time offenders.
First Offense (Misdemeanor of the First Degree)
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation (often including community service and mandatory classes)
- Mandatory HIV/STD testing
- Possible vehicle impoundment if the offense occurred in a vehicle
- A permanent criminal record
Subsequent Offenses
- Second offense – Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $5,000
- Third or subsequent offense – Third-degree felony, up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines
Collateral Consequences
Beyond the criminal penalties, a solicitation conviction can affect:
- Employment opportunities and professional licensing
- Immigration status (for non-citizens)
- Housing applications and background checks
- Child custody and family law proceedings
- Personal relationships and reputation
Many first-time offenders in Orange and Seminole Counties qualify for pre-trial diversion programs that can result in dismissal upon successful completion. Early legal intervention is critical to preserving these options.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Carrie was extremely helpful in a difficult situation. She was detailed, easy to communicate with and provided a favorable result in the end. If your looking for a great attorney pick up the phone and call Carrie today!
Carrie is everything as advertised. She actually puts in time and effort to get to know you and shows true sympathy toward her clients. Great people skills and even better knowledge of the law. Highly recommended!
When I initially called Carrie I was hesitant, scared, and didn't know what to expect. I can tell you first hand, Carrie and her assistant are AMAZING. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Good luck Carrie on your future endeavors, all the best.
I hired Mrs. Rentz for a legal issue I had in the Orlando area. Being from out of town, I use some references as a guide. Mrs. Rentz looked to be the right attorney. She is very caring and takes your issue very seriously.
This was by far the best experience i have had with a lawyer she always let me know what was going on with my case and always stayed positive while fighting for me in the courtroom. Just want to say i appreciate everything you have done for me and will definitely recommend you to anyone. If i could it would be 10 stars, thank you again
Carrie was wonderful to work with. She made the entire process so smooth for me and was always easy to get in touch with whenever I had any questions.
Carrie Rentz is an amazing lawyer. She is very informed and ready to answer any questions I have. She and her assistant reply to emails in a timely fashion and are both very friendly and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a lawyer I 100% recommend her.
Solicitation Defense FAQs
Can I be arrested for solicitation even if I never met anyone in person?
Yes. Under Florida law, an offer or agreement to engage in prostitution is sufficient for an arrest, even if no physical meeting occurs and no money is exchanged.
What if the undercover officer contacted me first?
Entrapment may be a viable defense if law enforcement induced conduct you were not otherwise predisposed to commit. We analyze all communications to determine if entrapment applies.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
No. Solicitation under Florida Statute §796.07 does not require sex offender registration. However, other sex-related charges may carry registration requirements.
Is pre-trial diversion available for solicitation charges?
Often, yes—especially for first-time offenders with no prior criminal history. Successful completion of diversion can result in dismissal of the charges.
What if my case involves text messages or online conversations?
We review the full context, metadata, and message history. Ambiguous statements, jokes, or selectively quoted messages are frequently challengeable in court.
Can a solicitation charge be reduced to a lesser offense?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the evidence and your criminal history, we may negotiate for a reduction to disorderly conduct, trespassing, or another non-criminal violation.
How long does a solicitation case take to resolve in Orlando?
Most solicitation cases resolve within 3–6 months through dismissal, diversion, negotiated plea, or trial. Early intervention can speed up the process and improve outcomes.
