Pimping and Pandering California

What Is Pimping and Pandering?

Sex work is a widespread enterprise in the State of California. From street corner prostitutes to high-end call girls, the end result is the same. When someone engages in the business of prostitution, they are breaking California law and risking harsh prosecution for their crime. Unfortunately, innocent men and women are often also charged with pimping and pandering crimes, and without the right representation, they could spend years behind bars.

What Is Pimping in California?

California's Prostitution Laws are found in California Penal Code 647b. More specifically, California Penal Code 266h addresses the crime of pimping. According to this law, you can be found guilty of pimping if you solicit prostitutes or collect some or all of the pay. Even if you did not procure customers for the alleged sex worker, simply collecting money from a sex worker is enough to convince authorities to arrest you and charge you with pimping.

What Is a Pandering Charge in California?

Pandering is similar to pimping, but it is a separate charge in California. An individual can be found guilty of pandering if they knowingly provided or transported another individual for the purpose of sex work. Even if you did not financially benefit from this transport, simply transporting another individual for the sole purpose of prostitution is against the law. It is important to note, however, that this transportation does not have to be physical. It can be committed in a brothel, over the Internet, or even over the phone.

Pimping and Pandering Charge in California

The penalties and consequences for pimping and pandering in California are severe, and include:

• 3-6 years in California state prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• An additional $5,000 fine to be given to a fund for victims of sexual abuse
• Registration as a sex offender if the prostitute is under the age of 18

Defenses Against Pimping & Pandering in California

There are times when men and women do not realize that they are accepting money from a sex worker. They may simply be collecting a debt, or may be unaware that the individual paying them rent is, in fact, a prostitute and deriving their income from sex work. Undercover sting operations are usually the primary way individuals are arrested and charged with pimping and pandering.

If your arrest occurred as a result of a sting operation, your attorney may be able to argue that you were illegally subjected to entrapment—and thus cannot be convicted. In addition, in order to be convicted of pimping or pandering in California, you must intend to promote prostitution. If you were unaware that your actions were promoting or facilitating prostitution, than your California pimping & pandering lawyer can use this as a defense against these charges.

Charged With Pimping or Pandering in California?

When this occurs, you need an experienced prostitution defense lawyer on your side to start building a solid defense against these false accusations. At the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed, our California pimping & pandering attorney understands the intricacies of prostitution crime and utilizes proven defenses to fight to have charges dismissed quickly and decisively.

Request a Consultation Today

Don't go through this time alone. Our East Bay pandering & pimping lawyer can help you fight your charges and protect your name. We serve clients throughout the surrounding areas. Like thousands of our neighbors in Oakland and East Bay, you can entrust your future to the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed.

Contact the firm now at (510) 907-6600 today! We proudly help clients in Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Concord, and the surrounding areas.