What is Solicitation of Prostitution: Los Angeles Solicitation Lawyer

Prostitution is the sale of sexual favors or acts between unmarried persons; if a police officer arrests these individuals under suspicion of committing acts that may constitute prostitution, then they could be left to face lengthy court procedures. Not to mention, this type of offense carries heavy penalties, which may include hefty fines, probation, jail time, and any combination of these. While it may go without saying, any time money exchanges hands for the promise that one or both parties will receive a sexual favor in return, under the California Prostitution Law, you can be charged with prostitution or solicitation.

Did you know that the law can also prosecute individuals for actions that may lead to prostitution? You might be wondering how such acts are viewed under the law and whether they are considered illegal.

As Los Angeles sex crimes lawyers, the prostitution attorneys at Manshoory Law frequently see innocent people charged and convicted of prostitution or crimes related to California solicitation laws. If you’ve been charged with prostitution in Los Angeles, you need a reliable solicitation lawyer knowledgeable in California prostitution law.

Understanding the Difference Between Solicitation and Prostitution

Although often grouped together in criminal statutes, solicitation and prostitution are two separate offenses with important legal distinctions. Understanding the difference can help you better grasp the nature of the charges and the defense strategies available.

Solicitation involves:

• Offering money or something of value in exchange for sexual services, or
• Agreeing to engage in sexual activity for compensation.
• Charges can arise even if no sexual act takes place — intent and communication (such as through words, gestures, or messages) may be enough to result in an arrest.
• Law enforcement often relies on sting operations, where undercover officers pose as sex workers or clients.

Prostitution involves:

• Actually engaging in a sexual act in exchange for money or other compensation.
• Unlike solicitation, the focus is on the completion of the act, not just the offer or agreement.
• Both the person offering and the person purchasing the act may face prostitution charges depending on the circumstances.

In California, both offenses are typically prosecuted under Penal Code §647(b), but the evidence required to prove each is different. Because of this, the legal defenses and consequences can vary, making it critical to work with a Los Angeles prostitution attorney who understands how to challenge both types of charges effectively.

What is the Prostitution Law in California?

Prostitution in Los Angeles law, code section 647, states that it is illegal to solicit someone for sex or have sex with someone for compensation.

This code also discusses lewd conduct in public. This conduct is defined as soliciting or engaging in sexual acts to offend or annoy someone else or for sexual gratification that could be considered offensive to general societal decency standards.

Crimes related to code section 647 include:

• Solicitation of Prostitution
• Agreeing to Engage in Prostitution
• Engaging in the act of Prostitution
• Loitering for Prostitution
• Lewd Conduct in Public

It’s important to remember that the act does not have to actually occur for you to be charged with prostitution, solicitation, or a related crime. The agreement to exchange sex for money is enough to obtain a conviction in California.

To convict you, the prosecutor must only prove that you asked someone else to engage in prostitution, you had the intent to follow through, and if the person you asked agreed to your request. That’s why it’s important to hire a prostitution attorney in Los Angeles to protect your rights.

What Are the Penalties for Solicitation of Prostitution in Los Angeles

It is illegal to engage in sex acts in public or solicit this type of activity in public and, in some instances, private.

The penalty for soliciting prostitution in California could include:

• As much as 60 days in jail
• 6 months of probation
• A fine of up to $500
• Mandatory testing for a sexually transmitted disease or infection

The penalties will only increase the more sex crime offenses you have on your criminal record and could even lead to jail time for prostitution from anywhere between 1 to as much as 5 years.

Whatever your situation may be, you must contact a Los Angeles solicitation lawyer or a prostitution attorney who knows how to handle these types of cases.

What Type of Evidence Can Be Used Against Me?

California solicitation laws are common charges that usually involve sting operations where undercover officers pose as prostitutes and wait for people to solicit them for sex.

In many incidents, the evidence used to support the charges is circumstantial, so the evidence used to support the charge is based on intent or behavior surrounding the factors and circumstances of the crime.

What Defenses Can be Raised if I’m Accused of Solicitation of Prostitution?

Some legal defenses include:

• Insufficient evidence
• No intent to follow through with the act
• Entrapment by law enforcement
• Law enforcement misconduct
• False accusation
• Mistaken identity
• No sexual desire

Why Hire Manshoory Law Group for Solicitation of Prostitution?

We have worked on several levels of California courts and have represented clients charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and other serious crimes before hundreds of juried trials.

Mansoory Law Group has a reputation for being the best Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer and sexual assault lawyer in the area. Contact a Los Angeles prostitution lawyer for a free consultation.

Do not let a serious criminal charge affect you – Contact us by form or call us now! (877) 977-7750! We are ready to help

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