Dublin, CA Prostitution Lawyer
Fighting Prostitution Charges in California
At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we deliver skilled legal representation for individuals facing prostitution charges in California. Our Dublin, CA, prostitution attorney understands the unique challenges and concerns that can arise in such cases and is committed to offering effective defense strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Call The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero today at (925) 259-3337 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our prostitution attorney in Dublin, CA.
What is Prostitution?
Prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual actions in exchange for money or another form of payment. In California, prostitution laws are primarily governed by Penal Code Section 647(b), which defines prostitution as:
"Every person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor: (b) Who solicits or agrees to engage in or who engages in any act of prostitution." This means that not only individuals who engage in prostitution but also those who solicit or agree to engage in prostitution can face legal consequences.
What are the Penalties for Prostitution in California?
The penalties for prostitution in California can be severe and could include fines, probation, and even imprisonment. The specific consequences you may face depend on various factors, such as your criminal history, the circumstances of the offense, and whether it's your first or subsequent offense.
Here's a breakdown of the potential penalties:
- First Offense: For a first-time offense, prostitution is typically charged as a misdemeanor. If convicted, you may face up to six months in county jail and/or a fine that can reach up to $1,000.
- Subsequent Offenses: If you have prior prostitution convictions, subsequent offenses can increase penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.
- Solicitation: Soliciting or agreeing to engage in prostitution is also a misdemeanor in California. Penalties for solicitation include up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Additional Penalties: In addition to criminal penalties, a prostitution conviction can have other consequences, such as damage to your reputation, potential loss of employment, and difficulties in finding future employment.
Defenses Against Prostitution Charges
Some common defenses against prostitution charges could include:
- Lack of Evidence: Prosecutors must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We can challenge the evidence against you and seek to expose weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the investigation or arrest, we can pursue suppression of evidence obtained illegally.
- Entrapment: If you were coerced or persuaded into committing the act of prostitution by law enforcement officers posing as clients, entrapment may be a viable defense.
- Mistaken Identity: If you were wrongly identified as a participant in prostitution, we can present evidence to support your innocence.
- Procedural Errors: We can meticulously review the legal procedures followed in your case to identify any errors or violations of your rights.
- Diversion Programs: In some cases, we may be able to negotiate for participation in a diversion program rather than facing criminal charges. Successful completion of such a program can lead to charges being dropped.
Contact Our Dublin, CA Prostitution Lawyer Today
At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, our Dublin, CA, prostitution lawyer is ready to provide you with personalized legal guidance and aggressive representation to defend your legal rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We understand the sensitivity and complexity of prostitution cases and are committed to delivering the highest level of legal advocacy to our clients. Your rights matter, and we're here to defend them vigorously.
Contact The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero today to get started with our Dublin, CA, prostitution lawyer.
Criminal Defense FAQ
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What is a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals, businesses and organizations accused of committing a crime. They have the knowledge to understand the laws and legal procedures related to criminal cases. A criminal defense lawyers strives to protect their client's rights and build a strong defense case against all charges.
Defense attorneys use a variety of methods to help their clients, including research and investigation, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, plea bargaining with prosecutors and advocating in court for their clients. They may also advise clients on how best to prepare for trial and present evidence that could prove innocence or legal mitigating factors. In some cases, they also negotiate with prosecutors in order to get reduced or dropped charges for their clients. As experienced professionals, criminal defense attorneys look for any weaknesses in the government's case and make sure that every aspect of the law is being followed.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can be rest assured knowing that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you will receive sound advice to help you navigate your case.
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Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases resolve through plea deals. A plea bargain allows you to accept the penalty for a lesser offense, often keeping more serious charges off your record. Whether a plea will benefit you depends on your situation, but no one should accept a plea deal from someone who is not guilty of the crime.
Having a lawyer to counsel you on your best options is critical if you hope to avoid agreeing to a deal that is not in your best interests.
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Will I Lose My Professional License if I Am Convicted of a Felony?
While California has passed a law prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a job offer, this does not mean a conviction on your record will not affect your career opportunities. Many professional licensing boards have restrictions on eligibility for those who have criminal convictions.
Depending on the type of license you hold and the circumstances of your case, a conviction may negatively affect your professional future. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances of avoiding a career-ending conviction.
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Why Do I Need an Attorney?
After your arrest, you should waste no time seeking the counsel of an attorney who is familiar with California laws and the courts in Alameda County, Northern and Central California. You will be facing skilled prosecutors whose goal is to convict you.
Your defense attorney will have the resources to construct a defense that will give you every possible advantage to avoid a conviction of the most serious charges you face. Even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect your life for years. I will work to prevent that from happening.
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What Should I Do Next?
Your first step after your arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Police and investigators should not continue questioning you once you have asked for a lawyer. When you obtain legal representation from Attorney Christopher Lamiero, our firm will protect your rights and help you make the right decisions throughout the legal process.
Call (925) 259-3337 or use our online form to obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dublin, CA. Se habla español.