The court system in California generally uses Penal Code 266 to handle accusations of enticing a child to prostitution. All acts of prostitution are against the law. The penalties for drawing a child into prostitution include fines and prison time.
If you are convicted of enticing a child to prostitution, you may be able to get the conviction expunged from your record. However, it would be best to avoid a conviction if possible. Find out more about sex crime charges in California by contacting the Simmrin Law Group.
Enticing a Child to Prostitution Charges
Enticing a child to prostitution is a sex crime in California. Specifically, it is a sex crime involving minors or individuals under the age of 18. Note that luring a minor to any location in order to engage in prostitution is against the law, according to PC 266. PC 266 charges also apply if someone:
- Entices a minor to engage in carnal connections
- Aids and abets in the enticement of a minor
- Brings in someone else to engage in carnal connections with a minor
Taking any of these steps could lead to criminal charges in the state of California.
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Prostitution Charges in California
Involving a minor in prostitution is against the law. However, it is also against the law for adults to take part in prostitution in California. In fact, individuals may even face criminal charges for purchasing the services of a prostitute.
Prostitution involves trading sexual acts for money or other forms of payment. Prostitution involving adults is prosecuted under Penal Code 647(b). Individuals convicted of prostitution may face fines of up to $1,000. They may face jail time of up to 180 days.
A sex crimes lawyer in Los Angeles could help you find out more about how to defend yourself against prostitution charges. Request a consultation to review your legal options.
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Penalties for Enticing a Child to Prostitution
PC 266 charges are handled more seriously than a basic prostitution offense in California. Individuals who are convicted of enticing a child to prostitution may face:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Jail time of up to one year
- Summary probation
As you can see, these penalties are more severe than those associated with prostitution involving adults. Individuals may also face additional criminal charges in some cases. Depending upon the situation, the court may charge a person with:
- Pimping
- Pandering
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Supervising or aiding a prostitute
Each of these charges comes with different penalties. Some offenses, like pandering, may lead to up to eight years of time in state prison. This penalty often applies if an individual was engaging in pandering with a minor. Note that some of these crimes require individuals to register as sex offenders after a conviction.
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Tricking a Minor Into Having Illicit Carnal Connection
California Penal Code Section 266 is also used to prosecute the crime of fraudulently procuring or persuading a minor into having an illicit carnal connection with another person. This act can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If convicted of a felony charge, the defendant could face:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Prison time of up to three years
- Formal probation
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Expunging a Charge Under Penal Code 266
A person convicted of a PC 266 charge might be able to get their conviction expunged from their record. To be eligible for expungement, a person must not have served any time in prison. A conviction can still be expunged after a jail sentence, but time in prison will eliminate your ability to expunge your charge.
You will be eligible to have your conviction expunged after you have completed your jail time or probation period. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you with your expungement petition.
Defenses for Charges of Enticing a Child to Prostitution
Building a defense for PC 266 charges may help you avoid a conviction in California. There are several ways a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles may help you. Your lawyer may focus on your specific needs after an arrest to help you show that:
- You did not entice a minor
- There was no minor
- You were the victim of entrapment
You did Not Entice a Minor
Sometimes people are falsely accused of a crime. This can occur either through malice of their accuser or as a simple mistake. If you did not entice a minor to engage in prostitution, you should not be found guilty.
There Was No Minor
If the person you are accused of enticing into prostitution was not a minor, you are not guilty of a violation of PC 266. However, while this defense can protect you from this more serious charge, you could face a charge under another prostitution-related penal code if you were engaged in activities related to adult prostitution.
You Were the Victim of Entrapment
If you were lured into committing the crime by an undercover cop, you could beat the charge against you. If you can show that your violation resulted from entrapment by the law enforcement officer, you may be able to beat this charge.
Your lawyer may also take steps to secure a plea bargain for you after your arrest. However, plea bargains may be difficult to obtain in certain sex crime cases.
Get Help Handling Sex Crime Charges in California
It’s against the law to entice a child into prostitution in California. Violations of PC 266 can result in fines and jail time. The Simmrin Law Group can help if you are accused of enticing a child into prostitution. Find out more about the defenses available to you by calling us for a free consultation. You may also fill out our online contact form.
During your consultation we will review your case and answer all of your questions. We will explain all of your options and offer you legal advice about the best path forward.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form