Are you facing solicitation of prostitution charges? As a trusted Los Angeles solicitation of prostitution attorney, William Kroger defends people charged under Penal Code 647(b).
At William S Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, we know how prosecutors build these cases, and we know how to push back. Contact us today at (323) 655-5700 for a free and private consultation. The sooner you call, the sooner we start protecting your future.
Why Choose William S Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney At Law for Your Los Angeles Solicitation of Prostitution Case?
A solicitation charge can feel small until you see how it follows you. You need a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles who treats your case seriously from the first call. This is why you should hire William S Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law:
- More than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience stand behind your case.
- Over 5,000 criminal cases handled across California, including sensitive sex crime matters.
- A real record of results in serious felony cases, including dismissals and high-profile cases.
- Recognition from Super Lawyers and the American Institute of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
- Clear guidance at every stage, so you always know what comes next.
Located in Beverly Hills, we represent clients throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Solicitation of Prostitution Lawyer
The state does not wait. Prosecutors can file charges fast, and a court date can arrive before you feel ready. That is why your next move matters. A strong California prostitution lawyer steps in right away.
We review every detail of your arrest. We look for weak points in the prosecution’s case, such as a missing overt act or a shaky police report. We explain your rights in simple terms, so you are never left guessing.
William Kroger and our team have spent decades inside California courtrooms doing exactly this work. The earlier we get involved, the more options we can protect.
What Is Solicitation of Prostitution under California Law?
Many people ask the same thing after an arrest: what is sex solicitation, and how is it different from prostitution itself? In simple terms, solicitation means asking for or agreeing to pay for a sexual act. You do not have to complete the act to be charged. The request and your intent can be enough.
California treats this conduct as disorderly conduct. Both the person offering money and the person offering services can be charged.
California Penal Code 647(b)
Under 647b penal code, it is a crime to solicit, agree to, or engage in an act of prostitution for money or anything of value. Prostitution here means any lewd act between people in exchange for payment.
You can be charged under Penal Code 647(b) if you do any of the following:
- Solicit another person to engage in an act of prostitution.
- Agree to engage in an act of prostitution with another person.
- Engage in an act of prostitution for money or other value.
- Take some step that pushes the agreement forward, such as withdrawing cash or driving to meet the other person.
Here is the part that surprises many people. You do not need to touch anyone or hand over a single dollar to face charges. A clear agreement, plus one small action, can be enough. That is why these cases often turn on a few words and on what the officer claims you did next.
The Overt Act Requirement
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the law. Agreeing to pay for sex is not enough on its own. The prosecution must also show that you took a real step toward the act. The law calls this an overt act, or an act in furtherance. Driving to a hotel, withdrawing money, or sending a deposit can count. If that extra step is missing, the charge may not hold up. We look closely at whether any true overt act exists in your case.
Specific Intent
The state must also prove that you actually meant to trade money for a sexual act. A joke, a dare, or loose talk is not a crime. Intent lives in your words and your actions, and it is often unclear. Undercover officers may steer a conversation in a certain direction, then read intent into it. We challenge that reading and show the full context of what was said.
Penalties for Solicitation of Prostitution in California
Criminal Penalties
Solicitation under Penal Code 647(b) is a misdemeanor in California. It is not a felony, and it does not require you to register as a sex offender. Still, the penalties are real, and they grow with each offense. A first conviction can bring:
- Up to 6 months in county jail.
- A fine of up to $1,000.
- Summary probation.
Because this is a priorable offense, repeat convictions carry mandatory minimum jail time:
- A second conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 45 days in jail.
- A third or later conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail.
- If you used a car within 1,000 feet of a home, the court may suspend your license for 30 days or restrict it for 6 months.
A person who pays for the act may also face an extra $1,000 fine. These costs add up quickly, and a conviction stays on your record.
Collateral Consequences
The courtroom penalty is only part of the story. A solicitation conviction can reach into nearly every corner of your life. These hidden costs are often the strongest reason to fight the charge rather than take a quick plea.
- Employment: a public record can cost you a job or a promotion.
- Professional licenses: doctors, nurses, teachers, and others may face review or discipline.
- Immigration: for noncitizens, a prostitution related offense can affect visas, green cards, and future entry.
- Reputation: an arrest can surface in a simple online search and follow you for years.
- Security clearances: a conviction can put a government or defense job at risk.
- Housing: some landlords reject applicants who have a criminal record.
Fighting now can protect far more than your freedom.
Defenses Against Solicitation of Prostitution Charges
Every case is different, so your defense should be built around your facts. As your solicitation of prostitution defense lawyer, we study the police report, the recordings, and the timeline before we plan a single move. Several defenses may apply to your case:
- Entrapment: an officer pressured or lured you into something you would not have done on your own.
- No overt act: you may have talked, but you never took the extra step the law requires.
- No specific intent: your words were a joke and never meant as a real offer.
- No agreement: there was no clear deal to exchange money for a sexual act.
- Mistaken identity: the officer arrested the wrong person in a crowded sting.
- Illegal search: police violated your rights, which can exclude evidence from court.
- False accusation: someone made a claim that simply is not true.
Sting operations and false claims are common in these cases. Strong witnesses and a careful review of the evidence can change everything.
Speak With Our Los Angeles Solicitation of Prostitution Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been accused of solicitation of prostitution, you need an experienced lawyer who knows what to look for in order to get your charges reduced or dismissed. A solicitation conviction can mean a permanent criminal record and a huge stain on your reputation.
This is why you need a skilled Los Angeles solicitation of prostitution attorney who can help you navigate the system during this difficult time. We can fight solicitation charges on your behalf and do our best to get them dismissed.
William Kroger brings more than 75 years of combined experience and over 5,000 handled cases to your defense. Contact William S Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, today at (323) 655-5700 and take the first step toward protecting your future.