CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Facing Prostitution Charges in Los Angeles

Prostitution in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles areas is becoming prevalent and causing concerns for law enforcement. The profession, although profitable, is illegal in most of the country. Those caught engaging in it face harsh penalties, which is why they need the help of an effective defense. Prostitution charges in Los Angeles are also known as solicitation, and prostitutes and their clients can be charged with the offense under California law.

Solicitation or Prostitution?
Solicitation refers to the act of seeking sexual favors for money, while prostitution is the act of providing such services for compensation. However, the terms are used interchangeably in the California courts, and both the prostitute and their clients can face charges for their actions. The California code 647(b) defines the state’s laws on prostitution.

Why is Prostitution Illegal?
Prostitution is illegal in most parts of the country, including Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, with Nevada being the only state where brothels operate legally. While many mistakenly believe that prostitutes are drug-seeking, uneducated, and poor, the reality is that the trade is a sophisticated operation, with many high-ranking madams making a substantial amount of money. The average prostitute in the United States earns over $200 hourly or $1200 monthly from part-time work in the profession.

Defenses Against Prostitution Charges
Individuals charged with prostitution need not think all is lost. There are available legal defenses that an experienced attorney can use to dismiss or reduce charges. For instance, if a police sting operation led to your arrest, whereby an officer posed as a person seeking sexual favors, the entrapment defense may apply. Entrapment implies that you were forced into committing the illegal act against your will. If the officer continued to pressure you after refusing to partake in the illegal act, the entrapment argument is valid.

Another defense that attorneys can use is insufficient evidence. In some cases, the evidence against you may be circumstantial or may not fulfill all necessary requirements for a prostitution conviction. While prostitution is considered a misdemeanor in California, prior offenses can affect the time spent in custody and probation. It is noteworthy that more severe sex crimes such as human trafficking, which often occur in association with prostitution, can lead to felony charges.

The Importance of Legal Representation
Prostitution charges can have a lasting impact and follow you even in future background checks by potential employers. Therefore, it is crucial to seek legal counsel to help reduce or dismiss your charges. Attempting to face these charges alone means you could miss out on having an effective defense. With the crackdown on prostitution in Los Angeles even first-time offenders are at risk of lengthy probation and custodial sentences.

If charged with prostitution, do not show up to court alone. You need legal representation instructing you on potential outcomes and what to say. With legal representation, you tend to get a better deal than those who represent themselves. Contact us today, and we will provide you with the necessary support services throughout your legal battle.

Prostitution Charges in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Police Department is cracking down on prostitution, and perpetrators face tougher penalties upon conviction. The state of California has harsh laws against prostitution, and other sex offenses, And so even first-time offenders can get steeper sentences.

There are three main prostitution charges that the state of California files. They include:

1. PC 647(b) – Prostitution
This charge applies to prostitutes who perform sexual intercourse or lewd conduct for pay. If caught, punishment can include probation, fines, or a maximum of six months in jail.

2. PC 653.22 – Loitering for Prostitution
This charge applies to loitering in specific areas such as streets, sidewalks, or other public places. It also covers disorderly conduct that amounts to prostitution. The penalties for Loitering for prostitution may include community service, probation, or even jail time.

3. PC 653.23 – Supervising or Aiding a Prostitute
This charge is levied on parties that perform such acts as arranging and organizing sexual acts for another’s benefit. The crime of supervising or aiding a prostitute is a misdemeanor in California, punishable by as many as six months in jail, probation, or fines.

Penalties for Prostitution Charges

First Offense
For those convicted of prostitution or solicitation charges for the first time, the penalties can be probation or up to six months in jail. However, the judge may impose more severe penalties, such as community service or larger fines.

Second Offense
The second offense carries steeper penalties than the first. For solicitation or prostitution, the offender faces a minimum of 45 days in jail or up to six months in jail. The judge may also grant probation, but the probation period cannot be less than one year.

Third Offense
The third offense of prostitution or solicitation in California is a mandatory minimum of ninety days in jail. The charge also carries higher fines and other penalties. The offender can also receive probation, but the probation period is a minimum of one year or longer.

Conclusion

The judicial system in California takes prostitution, loitering in places of prostitution, and supervising, aiding or abetting prostitutes seriously. A criminal record due to such charges can irreversibly impair a person’s career, reputation, and ruin their life. At our firm, we offer experienced legal representation to help those accused of such offenses to navigate the often-daunting court system. We are ready to provide assistance, support, and guidance through the legal process to individuals that need sound strategies to fight these charges, and we will never judge. Contact us today to start building your defense.

Table showing penalties for prostitution charges in California