Penal Code 647 covers many different criminal acts in California. The court system can use PC 647 to prosecute acts like:
- Lewd conduct
- Prostitution
- Panhandling
- Public intoxication
- Loitering
All of these acts are considered to be some type of “disorderly conduct.” PC 647 charges are typically treated as misdemeanors in California. Get information about how to fight PC 647 charges with the Simmrin Law Group. Just call (310) 896-2723.
Criminal Acts Handled Under PC 647 in California
There are a large number of criminal acts prosecuted under PC 647. These acts are generally covered by different subsections of the law. Some of these subsections include:
Penal Code 647a: Lewd Conduct
PC 647a makes it illegal to engage in lewd conduct in public. Lewd conduct involves touching your own or someone else’s private areas. This includes the breasts, buttocks, or genitals. Individuals must have engaged in this conduct for sexual reasons to be convicted on lewd conduct charges.
Penal Code 647b: Prostitution
Prostitution is the act of exchanging sexual acts for payment. Individuals can face criminal charges for engaging in prostitution. It’s also against the law to hire a prostitute in the state of California.
Penal Code 647c: Panhandling
PC 647c is used to prosecute individuals accused of panhandling. Panhandling involves asking other people for donations in an overly aggressive way. This is against the law in California.
Penal Code 647e: Illegal Squatting
When an individual lives on someone else’s property without their permission, this is considered “squatting.” Squatting is against the law and can lead to PC 647d charges.
Penal Code 647f: Drunk in Public
Individuals are allowed to drink alcohol in California after they reach the age of 21. They’re even allowed to drink until they get intoxicated. However, it is against the law to be in a public space while intoxicated. This can lead to criminal charges.
Penal Code 647h: Loitering
Loitering means lingering in a place without a legal reason. PC 647h is used to prosecute individuals who loiter while intending to carry out a criminal act.
Penal Code 647i: Peeking While Loitering
Looking into an inhabited structure on another person’s private property is against the law in California. Individuals can face this charge if they peek into another person’s home whether they are still home or currently away from the property.
Penal Code 647j: Invasion of Privacy
It’s a criminal act to invade another person’s privacy in California. Invading someone’s privacy can involve looking into a private area with the use of a tool like binoculars or an electronic device. The Simmrin Law Group can help you learn more about how to fight these charges. Find out more by calling (310) 896-2723 today.
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Convictions for Disorderly Conduct Charges in California
Generally, PC 647 violations are treated as misdemeanors. For the most part, convictions for any of the above crimes can result in:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
Some acts of disorderly conduct are not prosecuted as harshly as others. For example, acts of prostitution usually only result in jail time of up to 180 days instead of six months. There is some variance for PC 647 convictions because the law covers so many different crimes.
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Legal Defenses Against PC 647 Violations in California
There are a number of defenses you can use against PC 647 accusations. These defenses vary based on the specific charge you are facing. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you work to show that:
- You were not inebriated in public.
- You did not sneak onto anyone’s property to look into their home or business.
- You were not engaged in prostitution.
- You did not touch another person in a lewd manner.
The Simmrin Law Group understands disorderly conduct charges and how to fight them. Call us today to learn more.
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Discuss Penal Code 647 Charges with a Lawyer Today
Talk to the Simmrin Law Group if you were accused of disorderly conduct. Our criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles are ready to help Contact us to start building your defense against Penal Code 647 accusations. Reach out to us by calling (310) 896-2723. We also have an online contact form available. We can get to work on your defense right now.
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