A prostitution-related arrest in Los Angeles can have severe, life-altering consequences. A criminal conviction may lead to a permanent criminal record, sex offender registration, immigration issues, and lasting social stigma. However, being arrested does not automatically mean a conviction will result.
Having an aggressive defense is critical to fighting these serious charges. At Hurwitz Law Group, our skilled Los Angeles prostitution lawyer is dedicated to protecting your rights and your future in sensitive cases involving prostitution. With years of experience in defending prostitution charges, we approach each case with a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
At Hurwitz Law Group, we focus specifically on defending individuals accused of prostitution offenses. Our team has a deep understanding of California law, including the complex regulations surrounding prostitution, solicitation, and sex crimes.
We are well-versed in the tactics used by law enforcement, such as sting operations, and know how to challenge evidence and fight against charges. Our immediate goals are to avoid formal charges, get the charges dismissed when possible, and ensure you are not left with a permanent criminal record.
We take a compassionate yet aggressive approach to defending our clients. We understand the impact a prostitution charge can have on your reputation, livelihood, and freedom. Our attorneys work to protect your rights and explore all legal options to achieve the best possible result, whether that’s avoiding jail time or reducing penalties. At Hurwitz Law Group, we’re here to fight for your future.
Under California law, prostitution includes several offenses related to the exchange of sexual acts for compensation. The primary law governing these offenses is Penal Code 647(b), which covers both the person offering the service and the person soliciting it.
Those involved in prostitution-related crimes can face serious charges, with penalties ranging from fines to county jail sentences. If convicted, the consequences can extend beyond jail time, affecting your future opportunities and personal life.
Solicitation of prostitution is defined as agreeing to engage in sexual conduct for money or other compensation. Even if no money changes hands or sexual acts are not performed, an arrest can happen simply by agreeing to engage in the act of prostitution.
For example, a police officer may arrest a person for solicitation after an agreement to engage in sexual intercourse or another sex act is made, even if it’s just an offer. In many cases, the prosecution may argue that the defendant intended to engage in prostitution, but an experienced attorney can challenge this allegation by casting doubt on the evidence.
Loitering with intent to commit prostitution is another charge that often accompanies prostitution-related offenses. Under Penal Code 653.22, a person can be charged if they are seen loitering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution.
This charge relies heavily on the subjective interpretation of a police officer, who must determine whether a person’s behavior suggests they are intending to engage in prostitution. It’s a common add-on charge and can be highly defensible, as behavior alone is not always a clear indicator of criminal intent.
Pandering and pimping are more serious felony charges involving profiting from or encouraging prostitution. Under Penal Code 266 and 266h, a person can be charged with pandering if they profit from the prostitution of another person or if they induce someone to engage in prostitution for compensation.
Pimping is the act of directly benefiting from another person’s involvement in prostitution. A conviction for either of these felonies comes with severe penalties, including long prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. These charges carry substantial consequences, and an experienced prostitution attorney is crucial to defending against them.
The penalties for a prostitution conviction in Los Angeles extend far beyond court-ordered sentences. A conviction can affect every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships to your future employment prospects. The social stigma attached to a prostitution-related criminal act can also be overwhelming.
Whether you’re a first-time offender or facing repeat offenses, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. It’s important to have experienced prostitution defense attorneys by your side to protect your rights.
The criminal penalties for a prostitution conviction can include jail time, fines, and mandatory programs. Depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a repeat offense, these penalties may vary. Potential penalties include:
If the charge involves pandering or pimping, the penalties increase significantly. Repeat offenses can also result in harsher sentences, including the possibility of a lengthy prison term.
A prostitution conviction brings serious collateral consequences that affect more than just your criminal record. One of the most immediate impacts is a permanent public criminal record, which can damage your personal and professional reputation. It may be challenging to secure employment or housing, as many potential employers conduct thorough background checks.
Additionally, a conviction can negatively affect child custody cases, as courts may consider your involvement in criminal activity when making decisions about your children’s well-being. Non-citizens may also face immigration issues, as a conviction could affect their residency status or ability to remain in the country.
For convictions related to pimping, pandering, or soliciting a minor, California law mandates registration as a sex offender under PC 290. This requirement has devastating and lifelong consequences. Being placed on the public sex offender registry can severely impact your reputation, limit where you can live, and create barriers to finding work. The stigma of being a registered sex offender often lasts far longer than any jail sentence and can affect your social life and relationships.
Every prostitution case is unique, and a skilled prostitution defense lawyer will look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case to build a strong defense. Whether you're accused of solicitation, engaging in lewd acts, or being caught in a sting operation, a solid defense can make all the difference. From challenging evidence to presenting reasonable doubt, having the right legal representation is crucial. At Hurwitz Law Group, we understand how to protect your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for your case.
One of the most effective defenses in prostitution cases is entrapment. This occurs when undercover police officers induce someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. For example, if a Los Angeles Police Department officer pressures or encourages a person to engage in prostitution, it could be considered entrapment.
In such cases, we argue that the defendant did not intend to commit the crime but was coerced by law enforcement into agreeing to an illegal act. Entrapment can lead to the case being dismissed or charges being reduced.
Another defense strategy in prostitution cases is challenging illegal searches and seizures. Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement officers must have a valid reason to stop, search, or arrest a person. If a police officer violates these rights, any evidence obtained as a result may be inadmissible in court.
If your arrest or evidence collection was improper—such as an officer searching your private residence or detaining you on a street corner without probable cause—your prostitution defense lawyers can file a motion to suppress the evidence. This could lead to the case being dismissed or the evidence being excluded from jury trial.
For charges like loitering with intent to commit prostitution, the defense can challenge whether the police officer had enough factual evidence to justify the arrest. In many prostitution cases, officers must have reasonable suspicion that a person intends to engage in illegal activity, such as offering or soliciting a sex act.
If the officer did not have probable cause, such as observing lewd behavior or an agreement to exchange money for a sexual act, we can argue that the arrest was unlawful. Without sufficient evidence, the charges may be dropped or the case dismissed.
Hurwitz Law Group has specific experience in Los Angeles courts and a deep understanding of vice division procedures. We handle prostitution cases with discretion and confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive information stays private throughout the process.
Our law offices are committed to providing a client-focused approach, working strategically to reduce charges, avoid sex offender registration, and achieve case dismissals. We have a proven track record of successfully defending clients in prostitution-related offenses, whether it’s a first-time offense or repeat offenses. Let us help protect your rights and your future with aggressive and effective legal defense.
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not talk about the incident with anyone else. Contact Hurwitz Law Group immediately for a free consultation to receive assistance.
Yes, expungement is often possible after you finish probation. Our lawyers can help you with this process to clear your name and protect your future.
You typically do not have to register for a simple solicitation charge under California Penal Code 647(b). However, a prior conviction for a more serious offense alters the situation. We work hard to prevent this requirement.
This is a special class known as a prostitution diversion program. A first-time offender might attend it instead of facing jail. The defendant agreed to complete the program in exchange for having their criminal charges dropped.
Police officers pretend to be sex workers or clients on streets like Western Avenue. They try to get a person to engage in agreeing to an act for sexual gratification. We verify that they followed all applicable laws during the arrest.
You should never just plead guilty. This can have lasting negative effects on your life. Always get a confidential consultation with our team to understand your choices first.
Facing criminal charges for solicitation is a very serious matter. A conviction can have a profound impact on your life and significantly limit your future opportunities. It is crucial to act promptly to establish a strong defense for your case. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can protect your rights.
Our firm offers a complimentary and confidential consultation. We will sit down with you to discuss every detail of your situation. Together, we will explore all your legal options and determine the best course of action forward. You can speak with us at no cost and with no obligation.
Call our office now for immediate legal assistance. Do not wait, as delays can hurt your chances of a positive outcome. Let our experience in Los Angeles County courts work to your advantage and protect your freedom, your record, and your future.
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