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Arrests for prostitution and other related offenses are on the rise as law enforcement authorities increasingly use online ads to catch individuals who are offering or soliciting illegal sex work. As a result, some individuals who are accused of prostitution may have been unfairly targeted or been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fighting back against prostitution charges with the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer can be crucial to protecting yourself from these adverse ramifications. A Dublin prostitution lawyer could help you build a robust and effective defense and mitigate the negative consequences of your charge.

Defining Prostitution in Dublin

California Penal Code § 647(b) defines both prostitution and solicitation, which occur when individuals commit any of the following actions:

  • Paying or accepting money, or something else of value, in exchange for sex acts
  • Offering to engage in prostitution
  • Agreeing to engage in prostitution

Whether individuals are acting as prostitutes or customers of prostitutes, they are subject to the same criminal charges and penalties under this code section. If defendants are third parties who set up prostitution transactions, they could be subject to so-called “pimping” or “pandering” charges rather than prostitution charges.

Conduct does not qualify as prostitution or solicitation unless the parties involved either engage in the act of prostitution or take some action to further the commission of the act of prostitution. For instance, some potential acts that might constitute an act in furtherance of prostitution include:

  • Driving to the hotel or other agreed-upon location to engage in prostitution
  • Visiting an ATM to withdraw funds to pay for the prostitution
  • Giving the agreed-upon payment to the prostitute
  • Allowing an escort to enter a vehicle to engage in prostitution

A prostitution lawyer in Dublin may be able to analyze the facts and circumstances surrounding a defendant’s charge and determine whether prostitution charges are appropriate.

Penalties for Dublin Prostitution

Prostitution constitutes a misdemeanor under California law. A first-time offense can result in a jail sentence of up to six months or a fine of $1,000, or both. If the person that individuals solicited was a minor at the time of the offense, and the individuals knew or should have known that the person was a minor, they will face a required minimum jail sentence of two days and a maximum jail sentence of one year. They also can face a maximum of $10,000 in fines.

Convictions for second and subsequent prostitution offenses can include longer jail sentences and higher fines. Individuals will also have a permanent criminal conviction on their backgrounds that will show up on background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and others. A prostitution conviction could even result in job loss or an inability to pursue specific careers.

Other potential penalties for being an escort may include probation, mandatory community service hours, HIV testing, and counseling. Furthermore, if prostitution occurred within 1,000 feet of a private residence and with the use of a vehicle, the court can suspend the driving privileges of individuals for no more than 30 days.

Contact a Dublin Prostitution Attorney for Advice

Various defenses may exist in prostitution cases. In some cases, the police may be too overzealous in setting up prostitution stings, or overly forward in convincing you to engage in acts that you otherwise would not have considered. As a result, taking the time to retain the advice of a Dublin prostitution lawyer may be highly beneficial to you.

Legal counsel could evaluate the strength of the evidence against you and determine whether seeking a reduction or dismissal of the charges is appropriate. If a case must proceed to trial, then you may be able to mount a sufficient defense to overcome the charges against you.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving the Bay Area

The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.

We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.

As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.

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Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

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When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.

From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.

We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.

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