If you have been charged with prostitution, you are facing a serious crime with harsh penalties. If convicted, you may receive hefty fines and significant jail time. Additionally, you may experience the embarrassment and long-term effects of a sex crime conviction. If you are facing these charges, it is best to consult with an experienced Laguna Beach prostitution lawyer.
With over 40 years of combined criminal defense experience, our leading attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry have what it takes to provide you with superior legal representation. Our highly-regarded legal team has earned the reputation for taking a proactive and aggressive approach in all of our cases. We have dedicated our careers to fighting tirelessly for those facing serious criminal charges and could be there to support you through the process while advocating for your rights.
What is Considered Prostitution?
Acts of prostitution are taken seriously and is aggressively pursued by the police. To combat prostitution, law enforcement routinely performs prostitution stings, typically resulting in numerous arrests. As detailed in California Penal Code 647 PC, anyone who solicits, agrees to engage in, or engages in a sexual act to receive compensation from another individual has committed the crime of prostitution.
Solicitation of Prostitution
Soliciting prostitution is to request an individual perform in a lewd or sexual act in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. To be found guilty of solicitation of prostitution, the prosecution must prove two elements.
- You solicited another to engage in a lewd act or sexual intercourse in exchange for compensation.
- You intended to engage in that lewd or sexual act.
Intent can be challenging to prove and is the focus of the majority of solicitation defenses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, one of our experienced attorneys in Laguna Beach may determine a lack of intent defense could be appropriate and effective in getting you the result you need in your prostitution case.
Penalties for a Prostitution Conviction in Laguna Beach
The appropriate penalties for a prostitution conviction depend on the nature and severity of the incident. Convictions can carry penalties, which include jail time, probation, and steep fines. In addition to the court-imposed penalties, an individual convicted of prostitution may experience embarrassment, humiliation, and irreparable damage to their personal and professional lives. To avoid or minimize these penalties for prostitution charges, it is crucial to have a lawyer in Laguna Beach on your side.
Talk with a Laguna Beach Prostitution Attorney
We understand there are two sides to every story, and we could fight tirelessly to ensure your side is heard. If you have been accused of exchanging sex for money or another item of value, it is essential to contact one of our Laguna Beach prostitution lawyers right away.
One of our attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry could meticulously review the police report, discreetly perform an in-depth investigation into the alleged incident, carefully analyze all of the gathered evidence, and determine an appropriate case-specific defense strategy. After presenting our findings to law enforcement or the prosecution, we could negotiate on your behalf to have the charges dismissed or reduced, which could prevent or minimize the harsh penalties associated with a conviction. Contact our office today for a free no-obligation case analysis. Through this challenging time, let us support you and advocate aggressively on your behalf.