Prostitution cases are prosecuted harshly in California. Additionally, there is a strong social stigma with any sex crime offense that can cause severe consequences for the accused.
Therefore, if you are facing any type of charge, you need an experienced Los Angeles prostitution lawyer to help you obtain a positive resolution to your case. A sex crime conviction can completely change your life and forever tarnish your reputation. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have decades of defense experience with a proven track record of success. We understand the seriousness of these charges and are committed to pursuing every possible legal avenue to obtain a favorable resolution.
Prostitution is defined as committing a sexual act with another person in exchange for money, drugs, or other compensation. California has several prostitution-related statutes that can carry severe legal consequences. In the Los Angeles area, prostitution stings are common, resulting in hundreds of arrests each year. You can be charged and convicted of exchanging sex for money, even when a sexual act did not occur. Simply agreeing to exchange money for a sexual act is sufficient in obtaining a conviction. There are several criminal offenses related to exchanging sex for money. Some common charges include:
A lawyer in Los Angeles could help someone who has been accused of prostitution prepare a legal defense.
Under state law, it is a crime to loiter in a public place for the purpose of engaging in this offense. Police can arrest someone for intending to solicit or engage in prostitution, even if they never actually do so. Because officers can arrest someone without catching them in a prostitution-related act, it is easy for innocent people to be falsely charged with this crime.
Loitering for prostitution is charged as a misdemeanor in California and carries a sentence of up to six months in jail and fine of up to $1,000 if convicted. Fortunately, these charges are typically defended effectively by arguing there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction.
Many defendants feel they may not be able to avoid a prostitution conviction. However, a knowledgeable Los Angeles lawyer could skillfully build an aggressive defense in your prostitution case. Several effective legal defenses may be used, depending on the facts of your case. For instance, if the defendant was forced to commit this act or did not do so intentionally, these may be viable defense strategies.
Additionally, a defense attorney may argue that the evidence in the case was obtained through an illegal search and seizure by law enforcement or that law enforcement used coercion or other means to get the defendant to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.
If you are facing charges for exchanging sex for money, you need a Los Angeles prostitution lawyer to defend your rights and fight for your freedom. Sex crime convictions have lingering effects that can forever alter your way of life. Contact our dedicated team of defense attorneys today for a free consultation so we can begin mitigating the effects of these charges. We understand the high stakes in these cases and know precisely what legal strategies to pursue to get you a favorable outcome.
(888) 444-7210