Nearly 100 people have been arrested in a variety of Los Angeles prostitution charges at a downtown hostess club, the L.A. Times reported.
Consulting a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer is your best move when facing solicitation or prostitution charges. While typically charged as a misdemeanor, jail time and other serious penalties can result. Unfortunately, shame and embarrassment sometimes prompt a defendant to quickly and quietly enter a guilty plea in an effort to put the incident behind them. We believe that's a mistake -- having a conviction for solicitation or prostitution on your criminal record can impact your life for years to come.
Ninety people, mostly women, were taken into custody during the raid. Charges range from suspicion of prostitution and lewd conduct, to gambling and the use of counterfeit identification.
Three dozen officers from the LAPD's vice unit led the raid on the club at 9th and Hill streets on Friday. They reportedly found 400 people in a space with a permitted capacity of 250. Police regulate clubs and report that the raid came after conditions found during an inspection several months ago, when they reported finding dancers using false IDs and allegedly engaging in prostitution.
Hostess clubs are permitted by police but are prohibited from serving alcohol or allowing nudity. The club charges $30 an hour for "time and companionship."
The Times reports officers witnessed no illegal conduct during Friday's raid.
If you are facing criminal charges in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen G. Rodriguez for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
