Were you arrested for prostitution in San Jose, California? A conviction on these charges can carry serious consequences. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, can help protect your future and rights. Contact us today at (408) 402-4915 to schedule a consultation with a San Jose prostitution defense lawyer.
We are a top-rated criminal defense law firm in the area that will make your case a top priority from the moment you decide to hire us. Our San Jose prostitution defense lawyers have 30 years of combined experience and have won over 3,000 cases for our clients. We’re confident that we can help you work toward the best possible outcome for your situation as well.
How Ahmed & Sukaram Can Help if You Were Arrested for Prostitution in San Jose, CA
Our sex crimes lawyers at Ahmed & Sukaram are among the most well-regarded in the region and know the gravity of these charges as well as anyone. We’ve won more than 50 cases at trial and will not hesitate to take your case that far if that’s in your best interest.
Some of the specific ways we can help defend you include:
- Thoroughly investigating your charges and the evidence the prosecution has against you
- Filing motions as appropriate to strengthen your defense
- Gathering any available exculpatory evidence
- Working to have your prostitution charges dismissed entirely if we can
- Making sure you understand your legal rights and options at every stage
- Representing you at all court hearings and at trial if necessary
Call our law offices today to get started with a free case review. The prosecution takes notice when our San Jose criminal defense attorneys represent a defendant.
California Prostitution Laws
California Penal Code § 647(b) defines the crime of prostitution and solicitation. Under this statute, it is illegal to engage in, solicit, or agree to engage in an act of prostitution in exchange for money or other compensation.
There are three distinct ways a person can be charged under this law:
- Engaging in an act of prostitution with the intent to receive compensation
- Soliciting another person to engage in an act of prostitution
- Agreeing to engage in an act of prostitution and taking an overt step toward carrying it out
That third category is worth paying close attention to. The prosecution must prove not only that an agreement was made, but also that you took some action to further the commission of the act. Simply accepting a solicitation on its own is generally not enough.
Penalties for a Prostitution Conviction in San Jose
Prostitution and solicitation are classified as misdemeanor offenses under California law. However, the penalties increase with each subsequent conviction, not to mention the potential collateral consequences on top of that.
A first offense can result in up to to 6 months in county jail in addition to a fine of up to $1,000. From there, a second offense carries a mandatory minimum of 45 days in county jail, whereas a third or subsequent offense carries a mandatory minimum of 90 days in county jail.
If the offense took place in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a residential area, the court may also suspend your driver’s license for up to 30 days. In addition, a conviction will require you to undergo mandatory HIV/AIDS testing and complete an educational course.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against Prostitution Charges in San Jose, CA?
Beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest burden of proof in the legal system. To convict you, the prosecution must present strong evidence supporting every element of the charge. That leaves room for a number of effective defenses depending on the facts of your case.
At the outset of your case, our prostitution defense attorneys in San Jose will investigate the circumstances and determine which defense strategies are best suited to your situation.
Some of the most common defenses to prostitution charges include:
- Insufficient evidence against you
- Lack of criminal intent
- Entrapment
- No overt act was present
- Constitutional rights violations
Other defenses may apply depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Some of these are considered affirmative defenses, meaning you will need to present supporting evidence. Your attorney can walk you through which strategies give you the best chance at a favorable result.
Schedule a Consultation With Our San Jose Prostitution Defense Attorneys
Prostitution charges in San Jose must be taken seriously, but it is critical to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. You likely still have time to fight back with the right legal help.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our San Jose prostitution defense lawyers have 30 years of combined experience and have won over 3,000 cases to date. Contact our San Jose prostitution defense attorneys today to schedule your consultation and learn more about what you should do next.