Arrested For Solicitation Or Prostitution In Torrance?
If you have been arrested by Torrance Police or any other law enforcement agency in the South Bay, it would be wise to immediately consult with a Torrance Prostitution lawyer. The California sex crime of Solicitation and Prostitution is described under California Penal Code section 647(b) and specifies:
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.
Solicitation and Prostitution are deemed “straight misdemeanors” in Torrance Court, and cannot be charged as felony sex crimes. However, although less serious than felony sex crimes, a misdemeanor Prostitution or Solicitation charge can result in grave consequences for those convicted. Whether it be the embarrassing stigma created by a Prostitution conviction and the effect on your future employability or the immigration consequences, a Prostitution or Solicitation conviction should be avoided at all costs.
How We Can Keep A Prostitution Conviction Off Of Your Record
If you are facing a South Bay Prostitution charge, you are likely anxious about each of the consequences, most notably to your record. Fortunately, the skilled legal representation from an experienced Torrance prostitution lawyer can result in a compromised settlement with prosecutors involving plea agreements to lesser charges. Avoiding a PC 647(b) conviction can be achieved through pleading down to lesser non-moral turpitude offenses such as Disturbing the Peace, Trespassing, or Loitering. Whereas in some cases, your prostitution lawyer could strike a Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) deal with the judge or prosecutor which could result in your Prostitution charge being completely dismissed.
Penalties For Solicitation And Prostitution In Torrance Court
The severity of the punishment you face for a prostitution conviction in Torrance Court depends on your prior criminal history of solicitation and prostitution. While a first-time solicitation or prostitution offense does not carry mandatory jail time nor is it a sex offender registrable crime in Torrance Court, it is, however, considered priorable. Therefore, the punishment becomes enhanced with each prior PC 647(b) conviction. The following are the penalties you face for if charged with Solicitation or Prostitution:
- Up to 1 year in LA County 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 a prior PC 647(b) conviction, you face the additional penalties:
Prostitution 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
Torrance Prostitution Lawyer Since 1987
Whether you were arrested by an undercover police officer or through a police sting operation, it is crucial that you seek experienced criminal defense representation. Torrance Prostitution lawyers, Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff, are former senior prosecutors with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and both have a combined 70 years of criminal law experience. We utilize our experience and relationships with each of the judges and prosecutors in Torrance Court to ensure your best chance at avoiding a Prostitution or Solicitation conviction.
Call Us Now For A Free Confidential Consultation With An Experienced Torrance Prostitution Attorney
Contact Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP today for a free case analysis with an experienced Prostitution attorney. Call us 24/7 at (424) 757-0865. Since 1987, we proudly have proudly served the following South Bay communities: Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Torrance
