Everything You Should Know About Prostitution Crimes in California
Prostitution is said to be the world’s oldest profession, and it still exists to this day. Despite its illegality, it occurs daily on California streets, through phone services for call girls and escorts, and takes place in public places such as massage parlors.
Conviction of this crime carries severe punishment, including jail or prison time, fines, and lifetime sex offender registration. If you have been charged with prostitution in California, it is imperative that you hire an experienced California criminal attorney in Santa Barbara, CA to defend your case. At Aron Law Firm, we have the skills needed to craft an effective defense strategy to safeguard your rights.
What to Know About Prostitution and California Penal Code 647(b)
California Penal Code 647(b) defines the act of prostitution as engaging in sexual activity with the intent to receive money or some other benefit.
Prostitution is an intentional crime, meaning intent must be established in order for there to be a conviction. The prosecution will need to prove that the prostitution was either planned or agreed upon before any sort of activity took place. Since there will need to be irrefutable evidence that you purposely and knowingly committed the crime, your lawyer may be able to defend your case by demonstrating that your case lacked intent.
Under California law, if the incident involved no mention of sexual activity and if money was not involved, your attorney may be able to use the defense that the crime of prostitution did not actually occur.
Who Could Be Arrested for Prostitution in California?
In many cases, there are more than two parties involved in a prostitution crime. The parties may include:
- The prostitute: the person who provides sexual favors in exchange for compensation
- The customer: the person who is seeking to pay for sexual services
- The procurer: the person who helps manage prostitutes. They may even recruit new prostitutes or recommend certain prostitutes for customers
There are a number of circumstances in which the act of prostitution may have never actually taken place, and yet all parties involved were still arrested and charged with a crime under California Penal Code 647(b) PC or other relevant penal code sections.
As with any sex crime, prostitution carries a greater punishment than simply jail time. Besides paying fines and fees, those convicted of prostitution may also suffer social stigma, and individuals may lose their job if they are found guilty of Penal Code 647(b) PC.
Contact a California Criminal Defense Attorney if You Have Been Accused of Prostitution
At Aron Law Firm, we have extensive experience defending those accused of various crimes in California, including those related to prostitution. We know the law inside and out, and will fight tirelessly to ensure that your rights are not infringed upon.
If you are ever accused of committing a crime related to prostitution in California, you may count on Aron Law Firm to fight for you. We focus our efforts on our clients’ needs and tailor our approach to each client’s unique situation. We treat each client with respect and understanding while providing personalized attention and the highest quality legal representation.
Reach out to us anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling (805) 618-1768 or completing our contact form.
EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY
William M. Aron
May 19, 2023
Former Deputy District Attorney William Aron received his Juris Doctorate from the Duke School of Law and has amassed 20 years of experience practicing law. Attorney Aron dedicates his practice to defending the accused, and is devoted to keeping his clients out of prison.
