Pimp argues pandering charges in Los Angeles don't apply to cases involving prostitutes
To pimp or not to pimp seems to be the question.
The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that the California Supreme Court has been asked to decide the case of a man convicted of pandering in Los Angeles after he allegedly tried to recruit an undercover police officer to prostitute for him.
A sex crimes defense lawyer in Los Angeles can best help a defendant determine the best course of action when facing charges of prostitution, pandering or solicitation of prostitution in Los Angeles. Too often, embarrassed defendants simply plead to the charges. We think that is a mistake. Having a conviction for a sex crime on your record can impact your life for years to come and may even require you to register as a sex offender.
In a novel legal argument, his Los Angeles defense attorney managed to get the high court's attention by arguing that a defendant could not be guilty of pandering by attempting to get a prostitute (or someone posing as a prostitute) to engage in prostitution. Only by attempting to recruit an innocent party, could a defendant face a pandering charge.
The defendant was arrested in 2007 and sentenced to four years in prison. He has since been released. His attorney argues a pandering charge shouldn't stick if a pimp simply tries to get a working prostitute to chance management. The California Attorney General's Office argues the law was meant to imprison pimps regardless of the alleged target.
The court appeared divided on the issue, with several Justices at least giving the argument a fair hearing.
A ruling is expected within the next 90 days.
