The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan
2026 Updates to Michigan Prostitution & Solicitation Laws
“In early 2026, Michigan updated its penal code (MCL 750.451) to significantly increase penalties for those facilitating prostitution.
The 18-Year-Old Threshold: The minimum age for being charged with facilitating prostitution has been raised from 16 to 18 to protect younger survivors of trafficking.
Increased Penalties: Under SB 705, fines for soliciting or facilitating prostitution have been nearly doubled, with third-offense felonies now carrying up to 2 years in prison.
Mandatory Awareness Programs: First-time offenders in 2026 may now be eligible for probation conditioned on the completion of a mandatory human trafficking awareness program.
The Shawn Haff Strategy: We don’t just defend the charge; we defend the person. We move with professional urgency to pivot these cases toward 2026’s new rehabilitative options rather than letting a permanent mark destroy your record.
A conviction for solicitation or prostitution in Michigan carries a heavy social stigma that can damage your personal and professional life for years. Because the local prosecutors in Grand Rapids and throughout Kent County are increasingly aggressive with “sting” operations, you cannot leave your defense to chance. You must hire the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away. Our team moves with a professional sense of urgency to challenge evidence of entrapment and negotiate for results that protect your record. Don’t let a single mistake define your future—contact the premier criminal defense firm in West Michigan today.
Challenging Undercover “Stings” and Digital Solicitation
“Most prostitution arrests in Grand Rapids today occur online through sites like ‘Listcrawler’ or ‘Escort’ apps.
The Entrapment Defense: In 2026, police tactics have become increasingly aggressive. If an undercover officer ‘badgered’ or ‘pressured’ you into a meeting you didn’t initiate, we use the Entrapment Defense to get the charges dropped.
Lack of Specific Intent: Solicitation requires a specific offer of money for a specific sexual act. Vague messages or ‘suggestive’ talk often do not meet the legal threshold for a conviction in the 61st District Court.
IP Spoofing & Attribution: We use digital forensic experts to challenge ‘attribution.’ Just because a device in your house was used for solicitation doesn’t prove you were the one behind the screen.”
Full-Spectrum Criminal Defense in West Michigan
“At the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan, we understand that a prostitution charge often comes with collateral legal threats. Whether you are facing a DUI or Drunk Driving charge following an arrest, or you have been wrongfully accused of Retail Fraud, Shoplifting, or Domestic Violence, you need to hire the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away.
In high-stakes cases involving Criminal Sexual Conduct or allegations of Human Trafficking, the difference between freedom and a life sentence is the speed and aggression of your defense.”
West Michigan Prostitution Defense FAQ
What is ‘Accosting and Soliciting’? It is the act of inviting someone to engage in sex for hire. In 2026, this is a 93-day misdemeanor for a first offense, but the social stigma can last a lifetime.
Can a prostitution charge be expunged? Yes. Under Michigan’s ‘Clean Slate’ laws, most prostitution-related misdemeanors can be expunged 3-5 years after you finish your sentence.
What is a ‘House of Ill-Fame’? This is a 5-year felony (MCL 750.452) for maintaining a building where prostitution occurs. We aggressively defend landlords and property owners who are wrongfully charged with this crime.
The exchange of money for the performance of sexual acts is illegal in Michigan and called Prostitution. If you are facing prostitution charges in any West Michigan court, you are facing detrimental legal consequences, damage to your reputation and maybe a loss of employment.
Because of these reasons, you need to call Shawn now at 616-438-6719 so he can help you fight your prostitution charge. If you are facing a prostitution charge or solicitation of prostitution charge, you have legal defenses and options that can create for you a strong defense. The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan knows how to help you create a strong defense.
A Person who is 16 years or older who gets caught in the act of prostitution will be looking at criminal charges. A first offense prostitution charge is a misdemeanor. The maximum jail time is 93 days and you also face $500.00 fine. A second offense is also a misdemeanor charge. The maximum penalty is one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.00 maximum penalty of one year in jail, a $1000 fine. A third offense is a felony in Michigan. The maximum prison time is two years and the maximum fine is $2,000.00 and carries a maximum prison term of two years, a $2,000 fine.
A first-time offender for hiring prostitutes will face a misdemeanor charge. The penalty for this misdemeanor charge is 93 days in jail with a $500.00 fine. If you are hit with a second offense, you will face a misdemeanor charge again. This charge allows a judge to give you up to one year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. A third offense is a felony charge and that carries up to two years in prison and a $2,000.00 fine.
The crime of maintaining a prostitution house is a felony. The maximum penalty a person can face is a carries a five-year prison sentence and fine of $2,500.
Transporting a person for prostitution, or if you compel a person to engage in this kind of criminal behavior, you are guilty of a felony crime. This felony carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. You could also face federal charges for human trafficking.
If you are facing any of the charges listed above, you need to call Shawn now at 616-438-6719. The call is free, will you be?
It may be “the oldest profession,” but the reality of the situation is that it isn’t legal in 49 states. It is legal in some areas in Nevada. This crime can take the form of several different forms such as streetwalking to escort services, brothels or call-girl services. There are some differences. Various states describe the law in their own unique way across the United States. These statues are looked at, enforced and interpreted differently.
In the state of Michigan, if a person is offering, consenting to sexual conduct for payment or performing a sexual act for payment, they can be charged with prostitution. Solicitation is the act of sexual acts for payment. The customer and the prostitute can both be charged for this crime. The customer is also referred to a “John.” Solicitation does not require a sexual act be performed. It just requires two people have entered into an agreement for compensation for a sexual act and that some form of action, like running to the bank to get money to show the agreement is serious. Under Michigan law, pimping is also illegal. Pimping is the act of recruiting prostitutes. Pimping is also the act of setting up sexual services to be performed while making income from the earnings of the prostitute.
Certain defenses can be used by people charged with prostitution. Below, you will find some of them. If you believe you can use one of the defenses listed below, be sure to contact The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan with this information.