Pandering

Pimping and pandering are two criminal offenses which are closely related in the state of California. Essentially, anyone who persuades or coerces another individual to engage in prostitution or who encourages someone to enter a house where prostitution occurs through seducing, use of threats, or making promises may be charged with pandering. Classified as a sex crime, pandering is a felony offense which may leave the accused facing severe criminal penalties if convicted. At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles criminal defense team works vigorously to protect our clients' legal rights and freedom. Regardless of the crime you have allegedly committed, we urge you to contact us now.

California Penal Code section 266(i) defines pandering, which is a felony offense, as:

• Procuring an individual for the purpose of committing prostitution;
• Securing a place in a house which is used for prostitution for another person;
• Utilizing threats or promises to persuade, entice or otherwise cause another individual to become a prostitute;
• Utilizing threats or promises to cause another individual to remain in a location or house in which the primary activity is prostitution;
• Procuring another individual using a promise or threat to:
• Work as a prostitute;
• Enter any location in which prostitution is committed;
• Come to or from the state with the intention of committing prostitution; or
• Giving, receiving, or agreeing to give or receive anything of value or money for an individual to procure another person to become a prostitute.

The crime of prostitution does not have to include intercourse; any time an individual is given something of value, money, or another form of payment in exchange for a lewd act which involves physical contact between the prostitute and the individual offering the money/other form of payment, he or she may be arrested for prostitution. In regards to pandering, this is one aspect your attorney may be able to attack in an effort to prevent a conviction, or have the charge dismissed or reduced. If prostitution was not committed, it is one missing element which will make proving your guilt more difficult for prosecutors.

As aggressive Los Angeles pandering defense attorneys, we will work vigorously to defend you against accusations of pandering. There are various defense strategies which often prove to be effective, protecting clients against harsh criminal penalties and loss of freedom.

If you are convicted of pandering, the penalties you face will be determined on a number of factors including the age of the prostitute. If the prostitute is 16 years of age or older, a defendant may be sentenced to three to six years in state prison. When the prostitute is younger than 16 years of age, the defendant may be sentenced to up to eight years in prison. It is important to note that those convicted of pandering involving a minor younger than 16 will be required to register as a sex offender in California. In addition, a conviction may leave you facing a fine of up to $10,000.

Pandering is a very serious sex crime, one that is punished harshly. By securing the legal guidance and support of a highly skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer with our firm it may be possible to avoid filing of charges or a conviction. Entrapment, insufficient evidence, false accusations and a lack of criminal intent are just a few of the defense tactics which may be effective in protecting your freedom, future, and reputation. Contact us immediately at 310-914-2444.