CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Supervising or Aiding a Prostitute

Los Angeles Prostitution Laws: The Crime of Aiding or Supervising a Prostitute

If you reside in Los Angeles, it is essential to know the wide reach of the prostitution laws in California. While most people are aware that pimping and prostitution are illegal, associating with a prostitute is also an illegal act, hence the crime of aiding or supervising a prostitute. It comes with strict legal penalties, including public shame and loss of employment opportunities. Engaging the services of a competent legal defense team is imperative to contest these charges in court successfully.

Understanding the Crime of Aiding or Supervising a Prostitute

In accordance with Section 653.23 of the California Penal Code, one commits a crime when they:

– Directly or indirectly help another individual commit prostitution
– Directly or indirectly help someone loiter in ways that will enable them to commit prostitution
– Collect money from another individual that was gained from prostitution.

In essence, it is an illegal act to offer support or assistance to a person indulging in prostitution. It goes beyond pimping, with the enforcement broad enough that merely meddling in a prostitute’s affairs attracts arrests and allegations.

Examples of the Crime

Law enforcement has pushed for such broad laws, and rightfully so, to help in their surveillance operations. A common example is someone watching a prostitute ply their trade. For instance, Andrew is friends with Deborah, who sources her livelihood by having paid sex with men. Deborah feels nervous working in a new spot, so she asks Andrew to watch over her from across the street while staying in his car. Andrew complies and watches Deborah all day, picking her up later after work.

According to California Penal Law Section 653.23, Andrew may have committed an offense of supervising or aiding a prostitute. Andrew never cultivated any sexual relationship with Deborah or profits from her line of work, but he aided in breaking the law by watching Deborah service clients and offered her a ride home.

Legal Penalties for Crimes of Aiding or Supervising a Prostitute

Under California State law, aiding or supervising a prostitute carries a penalty of a misdemeanor offense. A conviction on this charge could result in:

– Up to six months in county jail
– A fine ranging up to $1,000

Besides these legal penalties and jail time, if one holds a valid healthcare license, they might face the revocation of their professional licenses if convicted of a crime regarding prostitution.

Legal Defenses for Crimes of Aiding or Supervising a Prostitute

The broadness of the law could cause the arrest of people who do not have the intent to commit an illegality. Accordingly, if you face allege aiding or supervising a prostitute, it is essential to have a reliable legal team on your side. Our legal team can swiftly help you in the following ways:

– Argue your case that you did not have any knowledge that any prostitution activities were taking place.
– Help you prove that you were not aware that any prostitution was taking place
– Help you prove that you were the victim of police entrapment.

At Our Law firm, our attorneys specialize in a range of prosecuting prostitution cases in Los Angeles, having amassed an impressive track record in winning our clients’ cases. Get in touch with us today, and together we will build a winning defense for you.