Arrested for Prostitution in Southern California?

If you’re facing prostitution charges in Southern California, you may be frustrated, angry, and scared. Prostitution – outlined by California law as soliciting, agreeing to engage in, or engaging in a sexual act in exchange for something of value – is widely viewed by sex workers and others as a victimless crime. In the minds of many, prostitution should not be a crime at all.

Unfortunately, in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and the rest of California, prostitution is a crime. Under Penal Code Section 647(b), you can be charged with prostitution for having sex for money or even for simply agreeing to have sex for money. 

A different California law (Penal Code Section 653.22) is often charged when no sexual conduct has taken place or has even been offered. This law prohibits loitering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution. You may be arrested under this provision of the law for simply: 

• Talking to passersby
• Stopping passersby to talk to them
• Waving your arms, gesturing to, or trying to get drivers to talk to you
• Driving around an area and beckoning to other drivers or to pedestrians
• Engaging in any of these behaviors in the previous six months

In fact, a prior conviction for prostitution combined with any of the behaviors listed above is grounds for an arrest for loitering.

If you’ve been arrested for prostitution or loitering, your first call should be to Alan Spears, a dependable, skilled prostitution attorney in Southern California. With five decades of experience, he understands the nuances of the law and can work to have you released as soon as possible.

In Riverside County and the rest of California, prostitution and loitering are both misdemeanors. It may be tempting to brush off the charge by pleading guilty, but a first conviction can still result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. It’s important to resist that temptation, and to instead contact a seasoned Southern California prostitution attorney.

Prostitution is considered a “priorable” offense, meaning that subsequent convictions carry steeper penalties. For a second prostitution conviction in California, you face a minimum of 45 days in jail. For a third or subsequent conviction for prostitution, you are subject to a minimum of 90 days in jail. If you’re convicted of engaging in prostitution while using your car or within 1,000 feet of a residence, your driver’s license may be suspended. In addition, local ordinances may levy additional penalties, such as forfeiture of your car.

Alan Spears will use proven prostitution defense strategies to protect your rights and your freedom. For example, he may argue that: 

• The police entrapped you, meaning that they acted in a way that would cause otherwise law-abiding people to engage in a crime
• The prosecutor doesn’t have evidence of the crime, perhaps because no recording exists or because there’s no evidence of intent

You do not want a prostitution or loitering conviction on your record. You do not want to spend time in jail. Prostitution defense attorney Alan Spears can work to ensure that the charges are dropped, that they’re reduced to a non-prostitution charge like disturbing the peace, or that you’re given probation instead of jail time.

If you’ve been charged with prostitution, time is of the essence. Call Southern California prostitution defense lawyer Alan Spears right now 951-400-4574 for a free, confidential consultation. He’s available 24/7 to take your call.