Facing prostitution charges can be an overwhelming and distressing experience, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty about the legal implications that lie ahead. If you are in this challenging situation, seeking professional legal representation to protect your rights is crucial.

In this article, we will provide essential information and insights into prostitution charges in California. We will outline the legal definition of prostitution and elements the prosecutor must prove for you to be convicted, discuss the potential consequences, explore available defense strategies, and highlight other criminal offenses related to prostitution.

The Legal Definition of Prostitution

In California, the legal definition of prostitution is outlined in the Penal Code Section 647(b). According to this statute, prostitution is the act of willfully engaging in sexual intercourse or any lewd act in exchange for money, goods, or other forms of compensation.

This definition is broad and encompasses a range of activities related to exchanging sexual acts for money or other considerations. It includes not only traditional sexual intercourse but also any lewd or sexual act, such as oral sex or fondling, that occurs in exchange for compensation.

Note that the exchange of sexual acts for compensation is the key element that defines prostitution under California law. The statute does not require a specific venue or location for the act to be considered prostitution. Whether it occurs on the streets, in a brothel, or through online platforms, as long as there is a voluntary exchange of sexual acts for compensation, it can be classified as prostitution.

Furthermore, California law also considers various related activities as offenses. These can include aiding or supervising another person to engage in prostitution, managing a brothel, or even arranging or facilitating prostitution activities.

What the Prosecutor Must Prove

When prosecuting a prostitution charge, the prosecutor must establish certain elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must typically prove the following:

  • Agreement or act — The prosecutor must demonstrate that there was an agreement or an act to engage in sexual intercourse or a lewd act in exchange for money, goods, or other forms of compensation. This can include explicit verbal agreements, arrangements made through communication, or observed acts that indicate an agreement to exchange sexual acts for compensation.
  • Voluntary participation — The prosecutor must establish that the individual willingly and knowingly engaged in the act of prostitution.
  • Awareness of the nature of the act — The prosecutor must show that the defendant was aware of the sexual nature of the act in question. This means they knew or should have reasonably known that they were engaging in sexual intercourse or a lewd act in exchange for compensation.
  • Specific intent — The prosecutor must prove that the individual had a specific intent to engage in prostitution. This means establishing that they consciously intended to perform the act and understood the nature of their actions.

It is essential to remember that the burden of proof lies with the prosecutor. They must demonstrate these elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. As a defendant, you have the right to challenge the evidence presented against you and present your own defense to counter the prosecution's case.

If you are facing prostitution charges, it is vital to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can assess the specifics of your case, challenge the evidence, and protect your rights. They will work to build a strong defense strategy on your behalf, striving to undermine the prosecutor's case and seek the best possible outcome for you.

The Penalties for Prostitution

In California, prostitution is categorized as a misdemeanor offense. The penalties for prostitution convictions can include the following:

  • Up to six months in county jail — A person convicted of prostitution may face a jail sentence of up to six months. However, it is essential to note that judges may sometimes impose lesser jail terms or alternative sentencing options.
  • Fines — The court may impose fines as part of the penalty for prostitution. The fines can range up to $1,000, although the actual amount can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and any prior convictions.
  • Probation — Instead of or in addition to jail time, the court may grant probation as part of the sentence. Probation typically involves supervision and adherence to certain conditions and may include mandatory counseling or education programs related to prostitution.
  • AIDS testing — California law mandates mandatory AIDS testing for individuals convicted of prostitution-related offenses. This requirement aims to protect public health and reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Each case is unique, and the specific penalties imposed will depend on the circumstances and the discretion of the judge. Seeking legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial to understand the potential consequences you may face and to build a strong defense tailored to your specific situation.

Does a Conviction for Prostitution Result in Negative Immigration Consequences?

A conviction for prostitution in California can have serious immigration consequences for non-citizens. The United States immigration system is intricate, and certain criminal convictions can lead to unfavorable outcomes for individuals who are not U.S. citizens. This includes deportation, inadmissibility, and the denial of visa applications.

If you are convicted of prostitution, it may render you inadmissible to the United States. This means you may be denied entry into the country or encounter challenges in obtaining certain immigration benefits, such as visas, green cards, or naturalization.

Furthermore, non-citizens who are convicted of prostitution can face deportation or removal proceedings. Immigration authorities can initiate these proceedings based on the criminal conviction. This is because prostitution can be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude, depending on the circumstances.

It is crucial to understand that a prostitution conviction can have lasting effects on future immigration applications. It may impact the outcome of visa applications, permanent residency applications, or naturalization processes, as it can be considered a negative factor in evaluating an individual's moral character.

However, it is important to note that there may be potential immigration relief available in certain circumstances. For instance, waivers or cancellation of removal may be options depending on your immigration status, length of residency, and other factors. Consulting with an immigration attorney is imperative to determine the availability of potential relief specific to your case.

Given the potential immigration consequences, it is highly recommended that non-citizens facing prostitution charges in California seek immediate legal advice from an immigration attorney. An experienced attorney can assess their unique circumstances, provide guidance, and work towards minimizing the impact of the conviction on their immigration status.

Legal Defenses to Prostitution

When facing a prostitution charge, there are several legal defenses that can be utilized to challenge the allegations. The viability of these defenses depends on the specific circumstances of the case.

Here are some common defenses that may be applicable:

  • Lack of intent — If you can demonstrate that you did not have the specific intent to engage in prostitution, it can be a valid defense. This may involve proving that there was a misunderstanding, coercion, or that you were unaware of the other person's intention to exchange money for sexual acts.
  • Entrapment — Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce or coerce an individual into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If you can establish that you were enticed or coerced by law enforcement to engage in prostitution, it may serve as a defense.
  • Lack of evidence — Challenging the prosecution's evidence can be a defense strategy. This can involve questioning the credibility of witnesses, disputing the accuracy of surveillance or undercover operations, or challenging the legality of the search and seizure process.
  • Mistaken identity — If there is a case of mistaken identity or you can demonstrate that you were falsely accused of engaging in prostitution, it can be a strong defense. In such cases, gathering evidence to support your claim and establish an alibi can be crucial.
  • Duress or coercion — If you can prove that you engaged in prostitution due to coercion, threats, or force by another person, it can be a valid defense. This defense often arises in cases involving human trafficking or situations where individuals are forced into prostitution against their will.
  • Constitutional violations — Challenging the legality of the arrest or the violation of your constitutional rights can also be a defense strategy. This may include violations of the Fourth Amendment (unlawful search and seizure) or the Fifth Amendment (self-incrimination).

Note that the success of these defenses depends on the specific facts and evidence in each case. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential to evaluate the circumstances, assess the available defenses, and determine the most effective strategy for your situation.

Prostitution and Related Offenses

Under California law, several criminal offenses are related to prostitution. Here are some of the key related offenses:

  • Pandering (Penal Code Section 266i) — Pandering involves facilitating or arranging acts of prostitution by persuading, encouraging, or recruiting individuals to engage in prostitution. It includes acts such as procuring customers or managing a brothel. Pandering is categorized as a felony. Its penalty is an imprisonment term of up to six years.
  • Pimping (Penal Code Section 266h) — Pimping refers to deriving revenue or any other form of support from a person’s work as a prostitute. It is categorized as a felony. Its penalty is an imprisonment term of up to six years.
  • Enticing a child to prostitution (Penal Code Section 266) — You will be charged with this criminal offense if you encourage a child into prostitution or use fraudulent means to make the child commit prostitution. This offense is categorized as a felony. Its punishment is a state prison sentence of up to three years.
  • Keeping or maintaining a house of prostitution (Penal Code Section 315) — This offense involves owning, managing, or operating a place where prostitution takes place, such as a brothel or a location used for commercial sex acts. This offense is categorized as a misdemeanor. It is punishable by a county jail term of up to six months.
  • Human trafficking (Penal Code Section 236.1) — You will be charged with human trafficking if you deprive another person of their liberty with the intent to use them in sexual activity. This offense is categorized as a felony. It is punishable by life imprisonment.
  • Aiding or supervising a prostitute (Penal Code Section 653.23) — California Penal Code 653.23 makes it a criminal offense to direct, recruit, supervise, or help another person to commit prostitution. This offense is categorized as a misdemeanor. It is punishable by a county jail term of up to six months.
  • Indecent exposure (Penal Code Section 314) — California Penal Code 314 makes it a criminal offense to willfully expose your genitals or naked body in public. This offense is categorized as a misdemeanor and it is punishable by a county jail term of up to six months. Additionally, the judge may order the convict to register as a sex offender for ten years.
  • Lewd conduct (Penal Code Section 647a) — California Penal Code 647a defines lewd conduct as the act of touching someone else’s or your own private parts in public. Lewd conduct is categorized as a misdemeanor. It is punishable by a county jail term of up to six months.

These offenses are interconnected, and individuals involved in prostitution-related activities may face charges for one or more of these offenses. This is why it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you build a robust defense strategy.

Find a Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me

It is crucial to understand that being charged with prostitution does not define your worth as an individual. The legal system affords everyone the right to a fair defense, and seeking competent legal representation is key to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome.

If you or someone you know is facing prostitution charges, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys at Foos Gavin Law Firm. We are dedicated to providing personalized guidance, fighting for your rights, and helping you navigate the legal process with confidence. Call us today at 916-779-3500 for a free consultation.