Prostitution Attorney in California – PC 647(b)
Are You in Need of a Prostitution Attorney in California?
If you have been criminally charged for violating prostitution laws under PC 647(b)1, you are being charged with a serious crime. The jail time and fines resulting from a prostitution conviction could be detrimental to your future. If you are facing these charges, it is imperative that you hire an prostitution attorney with experience in this field.
With over 40 years of experience successfully defending these cases, our prostitution attorneys at Wallin and Klarich will confidently defend you to ensure that you receive the best outcome possible. We currently hold offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, West Covina and Victorville.
Read on to learn more about prostitution laws and do not hesitate to call us today at (877) 466-5245 to ensure that you receive the proper legal representation.
Why Hire Wallin & Klarich?
The success of our prostitution defense firm has helped us achieve the highest of merits, including a 5 out of 5 AV rating on Lawyers.com, a 10 out of 10 rating on AVVO.com, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
For over 40 years, the prostitution lawyers at Wallin & Klarich have helped many people like you who have been charged with this crime. Here are just a few testimonials provided by some of our previous clients who wanted to share their stories:
Call Wallin & Klarich Today
You can place your trust in Wallin & Klarich. Our knowledgeable California prostitution lawyers are committed to defending your rights and your freedom. Call us today for immediate help on your prostitution case.
For more information on prostitution laws, read below or simply pick up the phone and speak to one of our skilled prostitution attorneys today.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free telephone consultation.
Prostitution Defined Under PC 647(b)
In California, it is illegal to engage in an act of prostitution or offer to engage in an act of prostitution with another. Under Penal Code Section 647(b), the following parties can be charged with prostitution crimes in California:
- The alleged prostitute
- The alleged customer (also known as the “John”)
Prostitution law constitutes all parties within the interaction, except for third parties who may be soliciting and collecting compensation from illegal prostitutes, which is known as illegal “pimping and pandering” under Penal Code Section 266(h)2 and 266(i)3.
Prosecution for Prostitution
Under PC 647(b), it is illegal for an individual to solicit, agree to engage in, or engage in any act of prostitution. A person engages in an act of prostitution if he or she has sexual intercourse or commits a lewd act with another person in exchange for compensation. A lewd act is the touching of the genitals, buttocks, or female breast of either the prostitute or the customer for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
However, an agreement to engage in an act of prostitution by itself is not enough to violate PC 647(b). There must be some act in addition to the agreement that is made to further the act of prostitution. For example, if you agree to engage in an act of prostitution with a person you met on Craigslist and you drive to a motel or other meeting point with the intention of engaging in an act of prostitution, then you could be convicted of violating PC 647(b).
In order to successfully convict you of violating PC 647(b), the prosecution must show that:
- You engaged in, solicited, or agreed to engage in an act of prostitution with another person;
- You intended to engage in an act of prostitution with another person; and
- You did something to further the act of prostitution in addition to agreeing to commit the prostitution act.
Defenses to Prostitution – PC 647(b)
Depending upon the circumstance of your prostitution charge, your attorney will be able to raise several defenses on your behalf. Your attorney can work with you to form the most effective defense strategy for your prostitution case. Several common defenses to prostitution charges include:
- Lack of agreement or solicitation;
- Lack of Intent;
- Insufficient evidence; and
- Entrapment.
Sentencing and Punishment for Prostitution
In California, a violation of PC 647(b) for engaging in an act of prostitution is punishable as a misdemeanor offense. If you are convicted for your first misdemeanor offense of engaging in, soliciting, or agreeing to engage in prostitution, you face a sentence of up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both fine and imprisonment. For any additional convictions of engaging in prostitution, you face more serious consequences.
In addition to possible jail time and fines, the court may also order that you have your driver’s license suspended if you engaged in an act of prostitution within 1,000 feet of a private residence and with the use of a vehicle.
Furthermore, under California Vehicle Code section 22659.54, your vehicle may be declared a public nuisance if you commit or attempt to commit a violation of PC 647(b) with the use of your vehicle. This means that the city or county may seize your vehicle and impound it for up to 30 days. However, your vehicle may only be impounded if you have a prior conviction for violating PC 647(b) within the past three years.
Wallin & Klarich Prostitution Defense Attorneys
If you or someone you know is being accused of engaging in an act of prostitution in violation of PC 647(b), you need to contact the prostitution defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich immediately. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience successfully defending clients who have been charged with engaging in an act of prostitution. We have the skill and experience to help you win your case.
Do not let the prosecutor and police officers intimidate you in the courthouse. The prostitution defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich will aggressively defend you against these accusations and help you fight for your freedom.
Our offices are conveniently located in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville. Call us today to at (877) 4-NO-JAIl or (877) 466-5245. We will get through this together.
All of the information provided on this page was retrieved from the following sources:
1. [California Penal Code Section 647(b): http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/647.html]↩
2. [California Penal Code Section 266(h): http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/266h.html]↩
3. [California Penal Code Section 266(i): http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/266i.html]↩
4. [California Vehicle Code Section 22659.5: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc22659_5.htm]↩
