What are the factors or elements for 647(b) Soliciting Prostitution?

In Penal Code 647(b), California law criminalizes two forms of prostitution: (1) actually engaging in sexual acts for compensation, and (2) soliciting prostitution. Solicitation for prostitution occurs when a person offers someone compensation in return for performing sexual acts (the customer or “john”) or when someone agrees to accept compensation in return for sexual favors (the prostitute).

Legal Consequences:

The penalties for prostitution convictions in California can include probation, substantial fines and up to a year incarceration in the county jail. California law also imposes mandatory jail time for repeat prostitution offenders.

California Penal Code 647(b) Soliciting Prostitution

How can we defend you against charges of California Penal Code 647(b) Soliciting Prostitution?

Based on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, there can be various legal defenses that may be asserted on your behalf to fight a charge of prostitution under 647(b). Below, are some commonly used defenses:

  • Entrapment:  The act of law enforcement officers or government agents inducing or encouraging a person to commit a crime when the potential criminal expresses a desire not to go ahead.  Entrapment is an effective legal defense if the commission or encouragement of the criminal act originated with the police or government agents, instead of with the “criminal.
  • Lack of Evidence: One of our high skilled and experience criminal defense attorneys may be able to demonstrate to the prosecutor that they do not have enough evidence to convict the you under the law of 647(b). This can be done with mitigating evidence or proof that not all elements of the crime were met by showing that the evidence submitted is either insufficient or insubstantial. 

Contact us:

We have been successfully defending clients facing all types of criminal charges in Sonoma and Marin Counties, since 1992.

The 100 Trial Lawyers Association has recognized us as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the country!

Please call our office today at (707) 571-8600 in our centrally located Santa Rosa office in Sonoma County or call our office in San Rafael in Marin County at (415) 492-4507 to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.

Don’t bargain with your freedom! The right attorney makes all the difference between your freedom and incarceration!

Please CLICK HERE to visit our dedicated page on sex crime charges for more info.