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Los Angeles Prostitution Lawyers

California Penal Code 647 (b)

Our Southern California criminal defense attorneys defend clients arrested for prostitution offenses in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Many of these prostitution cases arise out of vice squad sting operations in the Sunset Strip area of Hollywood; though we take other cases throughout Southern California.

California law defines two primary prostitution offenses: solicitation of prostitution (which is offering to engage in a sex for compensation arrangement) and engaging in prostitution (which is actually engaging in a sexual act in exchange for compensation). Both are found in Penal Code Section 647(b).

The punishment in California for engaging in prostitution can include probation, fines and up to a year of county jail. Conviction for a second offense carries a minimum 45 days in jail, 90 days for a third offense.

The Jury Instruction Defining Engaging in Prostitution:

California Penal Code 647( b)

The defendant is charged under Penal Code Section 647(b) with engaging in an act of prostitution.

To prove that the defendant is guilty of this prostitution offense, the prosecution must prove that the defendant willfully engaged in sexual intercourse or a lewd act with someone else in exchange for money [or other compensation].

A lewd act means touching the genitals, buttocks, or female breast of either the prostitute or customer with some part of the other person's body for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of either person.

Payment Does Not Need to Be Made Directly to Person Doing Act. For example, payment could be made to a pimp or other third party responsible for receiving the money for the prostitution transactions.

Additional Resources Regarding Prostitution

Definitions of Prostitution
Encyclopedia discussion of prostitution.

History of Prostitution
Analysis of prostitution as a historical institution.

Project Bayswan
Information and advocacy for sex workers and adult entertainment industries.