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Los Angeles Prostitution Defense Attorneys 
Prostitution
Prostitution is committing a sexual act for money. The laws surrounding prostitution are quite complex. California prostitution law prohibits individuals from engaging in the act of prostitution. It also prohibits individuals from what is known as "solicitation," which is basically agreeing to engage in a sexual act. There is a common misperception among the public and law enforcement agencies do not take prostitution seriously. On the contrary, prostitution cases are still prosecuted aggressively. Law enforcement agencies put in significant resources into special task forces and vice operations to target the crime of prostitution in their areas. It is critical that anyone being charged with prostitution or solicitation seek the counsel of knowledgeable Los Angeles solicitation defense lawyers who will help them craft a solid defense.
California Penal Code 647 (b)
A person is said to be guilty of prostitution if he or she solicits or agrees "to engage in any act of prostitution." This includes any sexual act between persons "for money or other consideration." You may be charged with engaging in an act of prostitution if you willfully take part in prostitution. Even if you do not engage in prostitution you may be charged with soliciting prostitution. Soliciting simply means that you induce or elicit sex for money.
The Penalties
Agreeing to engage in a lewd act for money is a misdemeanor offense that may result in:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1000 in fines
Prostitution is a "priorable" offense. This means that each subsequent arrest may lead to substantially harsher penalties. A second prostitution charge may result in a minimum of 45 days in county jail.
Depending upon where the act took place, you may face additional penalties. For example if you used your car to solicit sex, you may have your driver's license suspended for up to 30 days or you may be given a restricted license for up to six months. Also, a judge may force you to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law. This particular penalty is rare, but it is within the realm of possible penalties at the judge's discretion.
Defending Prostitution Charges
It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing a prostitution or solicitation charge. Having a prostitution conviction on your criminal record will very likely adversely affect your personal and professional life and ruin your reputation. One common example of a prostitution defense is to prove entrapment. Undercover police officers often pose a prostitutes or "johns" depending on the situation.
Whether your case involves prostitution or solicitation charges, the prosecutor must prove that an individual engaged in an act of prostitution and did so willfully or deliberately. Law enforcement officers are also trained to look for evidence such as possession of a large quantity of condoms, large amounts of money, type of dress, and possession of a "client book" to determine whether an individual is involved in prostitution. It should be noted, however, that such evidence by itself is not enough to prove that a person is guilty of prostitution.
If you or someone you know has been charged with prostitution, please contact the experienced Los Angeles prostitution defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP. We offer free consultations to anyone facing any type of sex crime charges in Los Angeles. Call us today to find out how we can help.
If you have been arrested for prostitution or solicitation then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844.
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