Hollywood Prostitution Defense Attorney | Penal Code 647(b) PC

June 8, 2016

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Prostitution is a form of lewd conduct charged under California Penal Code 647(b).  The statute makes punishable the act of soliciting, agreeing, or actually engaging in the act of prostitution.  Therefore, there are a three circumstances in which someone could be charged under the California prostitution statute.  Additionally, the government must prove the act solicited, agreed to perform, or was actually performed, was sexual.  In other words, back rubbing or merely personal company will not suffice for a prostitution conviction.

Hollywood is a known area in Los Angeles for arresting people for prostitution.  Local departments have their own prostitution unit who conduct sting operations.  For instance, an undercover officer will response to an advertisement and communicate with the person via text message.  The officer will ask to meet while attempting to elicit incriminating information – e.g., what the meeting will entail, how much the services will be, and the agreed destination.  Typically, undercover operations are conducted at luxury hotels, such as the W Hotel in Hollywood because it makes the uncover operation less obvious to the suspect versus meeting at a lower end motel.  Additionally, meeting at a luxury hotel allows the officer to make the suspect believe they have the cash available for the service.  Once the person shows up to the destination, the officer will have drinks with the suspect at the bar, and then ask the suspect to go to his or her hotel room.  It should be noted that the officer is secretly recording all communications and officers often video record communications within the hotel room.  Once in the room, the officer attempts to elicit more incriminating information which ultimately leads to the suspect’s arrest.

PROSTITUTION PUNISHMENT

The punishment for prostitution will depend largely on a person’s prior criminal history.  Moreover, if someone suffers from a prior prostitution conviction, consequently the penalties become harsher.  Prostitution sentencing could involve fines, probation, and even jail time.  Typically, someone arrested for prostitution will be eligible for diversion where adjudication of the case is suspended for a period of time, and upon successful completion of certain obligations (e.g., community service, HIV test, prostitution counseling), the case will be dismissed.

FREE PROSTITUTION CHARGE CONSULTATION

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If you’ve been arrested for cited for prostitution under PC 647(b) in Hollywood, then your court appear will likely be at the downtown courthouse.  It’s important to retain an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to carefully examine the facts of your case in search of any technicalities that could result in your case being dismissed altogether.  Contact our office for a free confidential consultation concerning your rights and defenses.  Our office represents those accused of prostitution in Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

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