San Diego Pimping and Pandering Defense Lawyers

Were You Accused of Pimping or Pandering in San Diego? Call Us Right Away

Pimping and pandering are two separate crimes in California, but they are both related to prostitution. Both carry harsh penalties, including time in state prison, probation, and a criminal record that will follow you around for the rest of your life.

Anyone who has been accused of pimping or pandering in San Diego needs the help of an experienced sex crime defense lawyer right away. There are defenses for these crimes, and the sooner you call, the sooner our team at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, can go to work to get you a successful outcome. Call (760) 630-2000 for a free consultation today.

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Definition of Pimping

California Penal Code outlines the crime of pimping in section 266(h). Pimping is defined as receiving, or attempting to receive, compensation from a prostitute’s earnings. Someone can be charged with pimping if he or she knowingly received financial compensation earned through prostitution, or received compensation for soliciting on behalf of someone engaged in prostitution.

If a prostitute gives a portion of his or her earnings to someone, that person can be charged with pimping. If someone receives compensation for finding "customers" for a prostitute, that person can be charged with pimping.

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Definition of Pandering

Under California Penal Code section 266(i), pandering is defined as the act of helping someone engage in the act of prostitution. This charge may apply if:

• One person persuades another to engage in the act of prostitution,
• A person promises or uses threats or violence to force another person to engage in prostitution or continue working as a prostitute,
• A person uses fraud, a position of power, or duress to convince someone to engage in prostitution,
• A person arranges for another to engage in prostitution in a brothel, or
• A person receives or gives something of value, such as money, in exchange for another person engaging in the act of prostitution.

Essentially, under the Penal Code, it is illegal to encourage anyone to engage in prostitution using any means.

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Penalties for Pimping and Pandering in California

Pimping and pandering are both felonies in the state of California. If convicted, a person can face three to six years in a state penitentiary and up to $15,000 in fines. A person convicted of either crime may also be placed on formal probation.

A person convicted of pimping or pandering will be required to register as a tier three sex offender – that is, lifetime registration on California’s sex offender list - under SB 384, if the person engaging in prostitution was a minor. If the person engaging in prostitution was under the age of 16, the person convicted of pimping or pandering could also face human trafficking charges. If convicted of human trafficking, a person will face up to $500,000 in fines and the possibility of life in prison.

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Defenses to Pimping and Pandering

While being charged with pimping or pandering can seem dire, there are defenses available. These can include entrapment, not having the required knowledge to understand one was committing a crime, lack of intent, and mistaken identity. If your Constitutional rights were compromised at any time during your arrest or time spent in custody, this can also result in the case being dismissed.

If you have been charged with pimping or pandering in San Diego, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Our founding attorney, James N. Dicks, is a former LAPD narcotics investigator and board-certified criminal defense specialist with the State Bar of California. We will help you throughout the process and give you the best chance of a successful outcome in court. Do not wait another minute - contact jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, at (760) 630-2000 for your free consultation.

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