Prostitution Sting Nets Orange County Arrests

Officers made 136 arrests in a nationwide prostitution sting. The operation resulted in the arrest of alleged prostitutes as well as those “pimps” who were responsible for organization of the illegal sexual service network. In addition, several juveniles were arrested. Local police and the FBI have often targeted prostitutes advertising their services online, on such free websites such as Craigslist.

California Penal Code 653.20(a) defines prostitution when one offers, agrees to, or engages in one or more sexual acts for hire. A conviction for prostitution can damage a person’s reputation, career, or family life.

But it is not only the prostitute herself that can be charged. The customer can face charges of solicitation of prostitution (Cal. Pen. Code 647(b)), and middlemen can face charges of pandering (California Penal Code 266(i)) or “pimping.” (California Penal Code 266(h).

California Penal Code 266(h) defines “Pimping” as living or deriving support or maintenance from the earnings or proceeds of the prostitution of a person whom the defendant knows to be a prostitute. Pimping may also be charged when there is money loaned or advanced to, or charged against a person selling sexual acts by a keeper, manager, or inmate of a house or location where prostitution occurs. Lastly, pimping may be charged where solicitation, or receiving compensation for soliciting, for a person whom the defendant knows to be a prostitute. The penalties for conviction of pimping range from 3 to 6 years, and can be even higher if the prostitute is under 16 years of age.

If you have been arrested for prostitution, pandering, solicitation, or pimping in Huntington Beach or anywhere in Orange County, you need the assistance of competent criminal defense attorneys working to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive your constitutional due process. The criminal defense lawyers at Houston & Blanco will fight to get your charges dismissed or dropped. We can assist with your prostitution, solicitation or pimping charges and handle any other criminal accusations against you. Call TODAY! Do NOT WAIT! Call the Orange County criminal defense attorneys of Houston & Blanco at 714.841.3921 or email at info@HBLawyers.net.