State law prohibits any act of prostitution, an offense that is considered a sex crime. Prostitution is a sexual act that is performed in exchange for money or something of value. Both prostitutes and their customers, or “Johns,” can be charged with this crime. If you have been accused of exchanging sex for money, it is essential to contact an Anaheim prostitution lawyer immediately. These charges are taken very seriously by prosecutors, so you need an attorney with the skills and experience to fight aggressively for your rights and freedom.
Our criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry have over 40 years of combined experience representing individuals who faced these charges. We have obtained unprecedented success because we are diligent and aggressive in our approach to every case. Our team has in-depth knowledge of how sex crimes are investigated and prosecuted locally, which allows us to determine the most effective strategy to pursue in your defense. We are dedicated to fighting tirelessly to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
What Actions are Considered Prostitution in Anaheim?
California Penal Code 647b PC makes it unlawful to solicit or engage in prostitution. PC 647b defines prostitution as a sexual offense that involves participating in a sexual act with another individual in exchange for money or other compensation. You can be charged with this crime if:
- You solicit another to participate in a sexual act
- You agree to engage in a sexual act
- You engage in the sexual act
- Arrange a sexual act between two individuals
- Pay an individual to engage in a sexual act
- Receive payment in exchange for a sexual act
Prostitution and solicitation are a high priority for law enforcement and prosecutors. If you face charges involving prostitution, it is essential to hire a seasoned local attorney immediately.
Penalties for Engaging in Sexual Transactions
In California, prostitution is charged as a misdemeanor. However, it is considered a “priorable offense,” which means that penalties increase with each subsequent conviction. The penalties include:
- First Conviction – A maximum penalty of six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
- Second Conviction – A minimum of 45 days in jail and the additional penalties applicable for a first-time conviction.
- Third (and any subsequent convictions) – A minimum of 90 days in jail and the additional penalties applicable for a first-time conviction.
There are consequences associated with a prostitution conviction in addition to the court-imposed penalties. If you are caught engaging in this crime, you may experience strong feelings of humiliation and embarrassment. A conviction may also affect your personal and professional life by causing distrust and damaging your reputation indefinitely.
Prostitution is aggressively pursued by law enforcement and prosecutors and harshly punished by the courts. It is imperative to hire a skilled and aggressive prostitution defense attorney who could expertly defend your rights and minimize any adverse effects.
Potential Prostitution Defenses
Exchanging sex for money is a serious offense that carries strict penalties. However, several effective prostitution defenses may be pursued by one of our skilled attorneys in Anaheim.
- Lack of intent – You may not have intended to commit the act of prostitution. To be found guilty, the prosecution must prove intent.
- Insufficient evidence – There may not be enough evidence to support a guilty verdict.
- Lack of trustworthy evidence – Evidence, typically in the form of witness statements, may not be credible.
- Entrapment – Police often use coercion or intimidation to get you to commit a crime you would have otherwise not committed.
- 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.
No two cases are the same. One of our defense attorneys could examine the circumstances of your prostitution charge and determine a case-specific and appropriate defense.
Speak with a Leading Anaheim Prostitution Attorney
If you are facing prostitution charges, you are likely to experience feelings of fear and embarrassment. It is crucial to hire a leading Anaheim prostitution lawyer right away. Our legal team at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry understands how challenging this situation can be and are dedicated to supporting you throughout the entire process.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. We could discreetly discuss your case’s specifics, advise you of your legal rights and options, and together, we could determine how best to move forward. Scott D. Henry and his team have dedicated their careers to defending those facing criminal charges. We believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty and could aggressively advocate for your rights, reputation, and freedom.