Prostitution Defense Attorney in Salinas
Prostitution Law in California
Prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money or other compensation. Prostitution is illegal under California state law and is classified as a misdemeanor. However, there are a number of defenses that can be raised in prostitution cases, depending on the circumstances of the case.
If you have been arrested for or are under investigation for prostitution, you need to contact a Salinas prostitution defense lawyer immediately. An experienced attorney can help you fight the charges against you and protect your legal rights.
Contact The Worthington Law Centre to schedule a free consultation with our Salinas prostitution defense lawyer.
What Are the Penalties for Prostitution in California?
Under California Penal Code Section 647(b), it is illegal to solicit, agree to engage in, or engage in any act of prostitution. Prostitution involves the exchange of sexual acts for money, goods, or services. This can include sexual intercourse, oral sex, or any other sexual conduct.
First-time offenders may face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months. A second offense carries a mandatory minimum term of 45 days in jail, while a third or subsequent offense is punishable by a 90-day mandatory minimum sentence.
Both the sex worker and their customer can be charged with prostitution in California. However a conviction does not result in sex offender registration.
What Are the Defenses to Prostitution Charges in California?
There are a number of defenses that can be raised in a prostitution case. An experienced Salinas prostitution defense attorney can help you determine which defenses are likely to be successful in your case.
Potential defenses to prostitution charges in California include:
- The defendant was falsely accused
- The defendant was not aware that the prostitute was a minor
- The defendant was not aware that the prostitute was engaging in prostitution
- The defendant was entrapped by law enforcement
- The defendant was the victim of a sting operation
The most common defense to prostitution charges is that the defendant was falsely accused. Law enforcement may be motivated to accuse the defendant of prostitution in order to gain leverage over them in another case. For example, law enforcement may charge a defendant with prostitution in order to get them to testify against a more important witness in a murder trial. Additionally, law enforcement may also target people they believe are likely to engage in prostitution, such as prostitutes themselves.
It is important to note that if the defendant was unaware that the prostitute was a minor, they may have a valid defense to the charges. However, the defendant must have been truly unaware that the prostitute was a minor. Simply being unaware of the prostitute's age is not a defense.
Entrapment is another defense that can be raised in a prostitution case. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement tricks or coerces a defendant into committing a crime. For example, law enforcement may set up a sting operation in which an undercover officer poses as a prostitute and attempts to engage the defendant in conversation about prostitution. If the defendant does not bring up the subject of prostitution, the officer will likely try to make them do so. If the defendant does not agree to engage in prostitution, the officer will likely continue to attempt to persuade them to do so.
Contact Our Salinas Prostitution Defense Attorney
Prostitution is a serious crime that can lead to significant penalties. If you have been accused of prostitution, you need to contact The Worthington Law Centre immediately. We can help you build a strong defense in your case and guide you through the entire legal process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Salinas prostitution defense lawyer.
