Arrested For Prostitution In Long Beach?
If you have been recently arrested in Long Beach for Prostitution, your next step should be to immediately consult with experienced Long Beach Prostitution lawyers. The California sex crime of soliciting a prostitute is defined under California Penal Code section 647(b) as:
Any person who solicits another for an act of prostitution is guilty of solicitation, whereas any person who agrees to engage or engages in any lewd act for money or other considerations is guilty of prostitution.
Prostitution is categorized as a “straight misdemeanor” in Long Beach Court. Therefore, soliciting a prostitute cannot be upgraded to a felony sex crime. However, although misdemeanor charges are less serious than felonies, a misdemeanor Prostitution conviction can still result in life changing consequences for those convicted.
How We Can Prevent A Prostitution Conviction On Your Record
If you are facing a Long Beach Prostitution charge, you are likely anxious about the uncertain path ahead and its potential impact on your criminal record and reputation. Fortunately, a dismissal of a PC 647(b) charge can be achieved without the risk of trial. Through the skilled and experienced advocacy of your Long Beach Prostitution lawyer, a dismissal of your criminal case can be accomplished through a diversionary sentence by way of Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ). In addition to DEJ, your criminal defense attorney can negotiate other advantageous plea options such as pleading you Prostitution charge down to a lesser charge. Disturbing the Peace, Trespassing, or Loitering are considered non-moral turpitude offenses and do not carry the same collateral consequences of moral turpitude offenses.
Punishments For Prostitution In Long Beach Court
The harshness of the penalties you face for a prostitution case in Long Beach Court depends on your prior criminal history, specifically, your Prostitution convictions. Although soliciting a prostitute as a first offense does not carry mandatory jail time, it is a priorable offense. Therefore, the sentencing can be enhanced with each prior PC 647(b) conviction you have on your criminal record. The following are the potential punishments for soliciting a prostitute in Long Beach:
- Up to 1 year in Jail
- Up $1,000 fine
- Up to 3 years of summary or unsupervised probation
- Community labor/service
- Completion of HIV Awareness program
- Up to 30 day driver’s license suspension if the offense was committed within 1,000 feet of a private residence and with the use of a vehicle
If you have prior Prostitution convictions, you face the following sentencing enhancements:
- 45 days of mandatory minimum jail time with 1 prior conviction
- 90 days of mandatory minimum jail time with 2 or more prior convictions
Long Beach Prostitution Lawyers Since 1987
Whether you were arrested in an undercover sting operation or you simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, it is vital that you engage an experienced criminal defense attorney with a track record of successfully dismissing or reducing Prostitution charges in Long Beach Court. Long Beach Prostitution lawyers, Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff, are former Long Beach prosecutors with a combined 70 years of criminal law experience. Clients of our criminal defense firm enjoy the peace of mind in knowing our dedication to them ensures they will receive the best possible case result.
Call Us Now For A Free Candid Case Analysis With An Experienced
Long Beach Prostitution Attorney
Contact Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP today at (562) 606-5117 for a free case review with an experienced Long Beach Prostitution defense attorney. We are available 24/7 proudly serve the following communities: Long Beach, San Pedro, Wilmington, Seal Beach, Cerritos, Bellflower, Norwalk, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, and Carson.
