The state of California prohibits any act of prostitution, which is considered a “sex crime.” If you have been charged with exchanging sex for something of value, it is best to speak immediately with an Irvine prostitution lawyer. Sex crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors, so it is essential to have an attorney with the skills and experience to advocate effectively for your rights and freedom.
Our highly-respected criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry have over 40 years of combined sex crime defense experience. Our firm has seen unprecedented success because we approach every case aggressively and ethically. We have in-depth knowledge of how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted locally, which allows us to build a highly effective strategy to pursue in your defense. Our top priority is to do everything within our power to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
What is Prostitution?
California Penal Code 647b PC makes it unlawful to engage in or solicit the act of prostitution. This law defines prostitution as participating in any sexual act with another individual in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. You can be charged with prostitution if:
- You solicit another to participate in a sexual act
- You agree to engage in a sexual act
- You engage in the sexual act
Sex crimes are a high priority of local courts. If you face prostitution charges, it is best to hire a seasoned Irvine attorney right away.
Penalties for Exchanging Sex for Money in Irvine
In California, prostitution is charged as a misdemeanor. However, it is a “priorable offense,” which means that penalties increase with each subsequent conviction. Penalties for a conviction include a maximum of six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines for a first conviction. For a second conviction, a person may face a minimum of 45 days in jail and the additional penalties applicable for a first-time conviction. Finally, for a third and any subsequent convictions, defendants may face a minimum of 90 days in jail and the additional penalties applicable for a first-time conviction.
Additionally, there are several consequences associated with a prostitution conviction that are not criminal penalties. For instance, if you are caught engaging in the act of prostitution, you may feel embarrassed and humiliated, and it may have drastic, long-term effects on your reputation. A conviction can also affect your personal life by causing distrust. As such, if you have been accused of prostitution, a lawyer in Irvine could help you prepare a defense that could mitigate the potential consequences of this offense.
Defenses Against Prostitution Charges
While every prostitution case is unique, there are several common defense strategies used in these cases. One of our attorneys could examine the facts of your prostitution case, perform a thorough investigation into the alleged incident, and determine a case-specific and appropriate defense. Some of the defense strategies that our team may use include:
- Lack of intent –To be found guilty of prostitution, the prosecution must prove you intended to commit this crime.
- Insufficient evidence
- Entrapment – Police often use coercion or intimidation to get you to commit a crime you would have otherwise not committed.
- Lack of trustworthy evidence
- 4th Amendment violation – If law enforcement obtained evidence through an unlawful search that violated your 4th amendment rights, the evidence obtained in the search could be deemed inadmissible.
Contact a Skilled Irvine Prostitution Attorney Today
If you have been charged with prostitution, you are likely experiencing feelings of embarrassment, fear, and anxiety. It is essential to seek legal representation from a leading Irvine prostitution lawyer immediately. Our compassionate legal team at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry understands how challenging this time is for you and your family and are dedicated to supporting you throughout the process.
Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. We could discreetly discuss your case’s circumstances, explain your legal rights and options, and together, we could determine the next steps to help you obtain the best possible outcome.