In the state of California, sex crimes are some of the most serious offenses a person can be charged with. Even the accusation can ruin a person’s career and reputation. A conviction can change your life forever. This is why it is so important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to best represent you. Keep reading to find out what to do if you are arrested for soliciting a prostitute. Then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
The Legal Definition of Soliciting a Prostitute
California law defines soliciting a prostitute as a crime involving two people in which they agree to exchange goods (usually money) for sexual acts. Note that there does not have to be an explicit agreement – the police can consider certain actions to be enough to demonstrate that the parties are in agreement.
Potential Consequences for Soliciting a Prostitute
If you are convicted of soliciting a prostitute, you could spend time in jail between 30 days and a year. You could pay a fine between $100 and $1,000 as well as court fees and could be on probation for 12 months. A conviction for soliciting a prostitute could also affect your ability to be professionally licensed in certain fields.
Defense Options for Prostitution Charges
It is common for a person to feel as though they have no options and that they should plead guilty. We never recommend doing this until you have had a chance to talk to an attorney. You may not be aware of strategies that can result in the case being dismissed, an acquittal, or lesser penalties. For example, we may show that you had a lack of intent. You did not know that the person you were communicating with was a prostitute and misunderstood the situation.
We may argue that you were entrapped. If your case involves an undercover police officer and they actively tried to persuade you to solicit a prostitute, then you may have an entrapment argument. You could argue that that the service wasn’t sexual in nature, or that the prosecution does not have enough evidence for a conviction. Finally, we may argue that your rights were violated and as a result the evidence against you is not admissible.
A Note About “Furthering the Agreement”
In California, you do not need to have actually paid the prostitute to be convicted – you need only have “furthered the agreement.” The state considers that one of many different actions such as going to an ATM to withdraw money, driving a prostitute somewhere, or even allowing the prostitute to get into your car.
If you have been arrested for any sex crime, including soliciting a prostitute, then it is time to contact a defense attorney. Just call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
