Long Beach Prostitution Lawyer

Long Beach Prostitution Attorney

Prostitution is sometimes considered a victimless crime, as long as it occurs between consenting adults. However, it is still a misdemeanor in California, carrying hefty fines and potential jail time. The proper legal term for prostitution is “solicitation,” and anyone seeking sexual services from another person, or offering sexual services for pay, can be charged with solicitation. If you’ve been arrested on solicitation charges, a Long Beach prostitution lawyer can help.

At Gibbons & Gibbons, we have over 6 decades of combined experience serving defendants in Long Beach and the surrounding area. Being accused of any sex crime is a serious matter, bringing potential long-term consequences, social and professional stigma, and emotional anguish. If you’ve been arrested on prostitution charges, it’s crucial to speak to a qualified criminal defense lawyer with experience in California prostitution laws.

Understanding Prostitution Charges

Prostitution is defined as the act of engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money or remuneration. Prosecutors need not prove that a sexual act occurred to successfully convict someone of solicitation. Even if someone just agrees to accept an offer of money in exchange for sex, or vice versa, they have committed the crime of solicitation, as the intention to engage in sexual activity is the precipitating factor in these charges.

The underground sex economy in the US is massive, generating millions of dollars in illegal financial transactions. Prostitution crosses all income levels and professions from all demographics. In one recent year, the FBI reported 12,895 arrests for prostitution-related offenses.

Because of the prevalence of prostitution, law enforcement often engages in undercover sting operations to entice defendants into committing a solicitation offense. Sometimes, vice officers are overzealous in their attempts to make an arrest, resulting in unsubstantiated charges.

In Long Beach, the rate of prostitution charges is low, at less than .3%, but if you are implicated in one of these crimes, prosecutors will attempt to convict you to the full extent of the law.

If convicted, you could face up to 6 months of jail time and steep fines, even if this is your first offense. In addition, you may receive a permanent mark on your criminal record that may affect future employment or housing. If you are found guilty of pimping or pandering, you may face felony charges that can lead to longer prison sentences and higher fines.

Defense Strategies in Prostitution Cases

If you are arrested on suspicion of solicitation, it’s vital not to answer any questions posed to you by law enforcement officers. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right.

Provide officers with identification and do not resist arrest. As soon as you are released, it’s important to contact a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through your arraignment and trial.

Defending against prostitution charges can be challenging, as prosecutors do not need to prove that the act occurred, only that there was an intention to engage in the act. Sting operations are often surveilled, which can complicate matters further.

Your defense attorney works to gather as much evidence as possible about the chain of events surrounding your arrest, as errors in police procedure are one of the strategies the defense can use to build a case for having charges reduced or dropped entirely. It may also be possible for the defense to prove police entrapment, especially if the arrest occurred during a sting operation.

If the defense can invalidate the evidence and create enough reasonable doubt, this mitigates the chances of an accused offender facing conviction. The key to beating the charges against you is to hire a prostitution lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a strong defense.

FAQs

How Long Can You Go to Jail for Prostitution in Long Beach?

How long you may go to jail for prostitution in Long Beach depends on your criminal history. For a first offense, you may face up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders receive even more jail time. If you are found guilty of pimping or pandering, felony charges will apply, resulting in 3-6 years in state prison and fines. Sex crimes take a heavy toll on your reputation, potentially impacting your life for years to come.

What Is the New California Law for Prostitution?

The new California law for prostitution is the Safer Streets for All Act, also known as Senate Bill 357. It repealed the criminalization of loitering with the intent to commit prostitution. This law, which allowed police officers to arrest people merely for their appearance, clothing, or presence in a certain area, created discriminatory profiling. It was highly subjective, unfairly impacting transgender people and women of color.

What Is a Patronizing Prostitution Charge?

Patronizing prostitution is for situations where the accused sought out the services of a sex worker to perform sexual acts in exchange for money. These acts can include touching, fondling, or engaging in oral or penetrative sex with a sex worker. Even if the act has not yet occurred, the solicitation of the act is what creates the criminal charge.

Do Cops Actually Care About Prostitution?

Cops do care about prostitution. While law enforcement officers do not receive any commendations or incentives for arresting solicitation offenders, there can be a certain degree of professional clout that comes from it. Solicitation charges often unfairly impact at-risk populations and marginalized groups, creating concerns around human rights violations. These charges are taken seriously in court and require strong representation from a defense attorney.

Have You Been Arrested on Solicitation Charges? Hire a Prostitution Lawyer to Evaluate Your Case

If you’ve been arrested for solicitation in Long Beach or anywhere else in Los Angeles County, the law firm of Gibbons & Gibbons can help you understand your rights. With over 60 years of experience defending clients throughout Southern California, we can build a comprehensive, strategic legal defense.

Protect your right to a fair trial and determine the most effective strategy to help you avoid conviction with the help of our firm. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.