Any individuals connected to prostitution in the state of California can face criminal charges. This includes individuals who do not commit direct sex acts. California Penal Code Section 653.23: Supervising or Aiding Prostitution can be used to prosecute these individuals.
You can find out more about PC 653.23 right here with the Simmrin Law Group. Go over:
- PC 653.23’s Legal Definition.
- Penalties for PC 653.23 Violations.
- Defenses for Supervising or Aiding Prostitution.
Start increasing your understanding of PC 653.23 charges right now.
The Definition of Supervising or Aiding Prostitution
According to PC 653.23, individuals may be accused of supervising or aiding prostitution for:
- Directing, Recruiting, Supervising, or Aiding Someone Engaging in Prostitution.
- Collecting or Receiving Proceeds Generated by Prostitution.
There are many different acts that can “aid” another person who is engaging in prostitution in California. Individuals could offer aid by:
- Speaking or Communicating with Someone Loitering for Prostitution.
- Watching or Monitoring Someone Loitering for Prostitution.
- Speaking with Motorists or Pedestrians to Convince Them to Engage in Prostitution.
Note that this is not a comprehensive list of the activities that can lead to charges for supervising or aiding prostitution in California.
Supervising or Aiding Prostitution vs. Pimping or Pandering
The definition of supervising or aiding prostitution can seem very similar to those used for pandering or pimping. However, there are differences in the way they are treated in California’s court system. Let’s go over their definitions now.
Pimping Definition
Pimping involves knowingly receiving or trying to receive monies earned by an individual who engages in acts of prostitution. It can also involve securing customers for a prostitute in order to receive compensation.
Pandering Definition
Pandering occurs if someone convinces another person to begin acting as a prostitute. Pandering can involve the use of persuasion, fraud, or even undue duress.
Penalties for Pimping and Pandering
Generally, pimping and pandering are punished far more harshly than supervising or aiding prostitution. A conviction for pimping or pandering can lead to fines of up to $10,000 and prison time of up to six years.
Examples of PC 653.23 Violations
Find out more about PC 653.23 by considering these examples of supervising or aiding prostitution:
Man A’s girlfriend works as a prostitute. He knows and sometimes helps her out by staying close by while she works, to make sure she isn’t hurt. They share the profits of her prostitution. He could be charged with supervising or aiding prostitution.
Man B is friends with several prostitutes who work out of his local bar. He sometimes speaks with customers on their behalf and also drives them to different locations if they need a ride. He doesn’t accept any money for his actions. However, he could still be prosecuted under PC 653.23.
Penalties for Supervising or Aiding Prostitution in California
We mentioned that supervising or aiding prostitution in California was not punished as harshly as pimping or pandering. This is because PC 653.23 is considered a misdemeanor level offense. The results of a conviction for supervising or aiding prostitution in California can include:
- Fines of Up to $1,000.
- Jail Time of Up to Six Months.
Defenses for Supervising or Aiding Prostitution Charges
A PC 653.23 accusation does not have to immediately result in a criminal conviction. You can increase your odds of avoiding a conviction by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as you are arrested. Your lawyer could work to show that:
You Did Not Intend to Aid or Supervise Prostitution
Intent matters when it comes to PC 653.23 charges. If you happened to be in the same area where prostitution was occurring without attempting to find customers for a prostitute or otherwise trying to assist in the act of prostitution, you should not be convicted under PC 653.23.
You Did Not Know You Were Receiving Money from Prostitution
It is against the law to receive funds earned through prostitution. However, you should not be convicted if you took money without realizing it was a result of prostitution. If you believed the money came from legitimate enterprises, you could avoid a conviction.
Build Your Defense for PC 653.23 Charges in California
It’s important that you get help quickly if you are charged under California Penal Code Section 653.23: Supervising or Aiding Prostitution. You can get the help you need today by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Just call 310-997-4688 or fill out our online contact form so we can start working on your case.
Our criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles can offer you a FREE case evaluation today.