If you’ve been arrested for patronizing a prostitute or escort service, or for offering sex services yourself, a California prosecutor can hit you with serious charges that could lead to your imprisonment, serious fines and fees, mandatory counseling, probation, AIDS testing, and damage to your public and professional reputation. This essay examines the laws that govern prostitution, solicitation, and pandering in California and connects you with resources you can use to build your defense immediately.
Criminal Definitions under the California Penal Code
Loitering
You may have seen “no loitering” signs outside restaurants or public facilities. But what does the word “loitering” mean, legally speaking? Technically, an act of loitering is simply the act of purposelessly lingering on public land or property. The California Penal Code Section 653.22 defines this as a crime – and it can be a much more serious charge if it’s combined with other charges, such as solicitation and prostitution.
Solicitation
California Penal Code Section 647(b) defines solicitation for prostitution services as essentially asking another person to engage in sexual actions in exchange for money. If you direct someone to engage in prostitution, this is also considered solicitation.
Pandering
This crime, spelled out under California Penal Code Section 266(i) involves recruiting women (or men) for the purposes of prostitution or soliciting clients (also known as “Johns”) for prostitutes.
Prostitution
Whereas solicitation is a request to offer money for sex; prostitution is the actual engagement of paying money for sexual acts.
Getting Caught
Whether you got arrested as a part of a sting operation, or you got caught soliciting a call girl by a patrol officer, chances are, you’re deeply concerned about what charges the prosecution might throw at you. Depending on what sexual offenses you committed, the court can order you into counseling, AIDS testing, and extensive community service. You may have to pay fines and fees and serve time in jail. Your case may be even more complicated if you got caught engaging in other kinds of criminal activity – such as buying, selling, or using illegal narcotics.
Building a Powerful Defense
Attorney Maltaise Cini, a former public defender who has represented clients for over a decade and a half on matters ranging from drug offenses to DUI/DWI to gang crimes to prostitution crimes – can give you a free and confidential case evaluation. Attorney Cini is a skilled Newport Beach criminal attorney who is respected by judges and prosecutors. She has a track record of yielding superb results for her clients. Contact her today at (949) 660-1389, or learn more about her services at www.maltaisecinilaw.com.
CASE RESULTS:
Client with multiple arrests for prostitution was given a dismissal upon completion of AIDS testing and AIDS class.
Client with multiple convictions for prostitution was given 30 days of Community Service.