Pimping and pandering are both criminal offenses related to prostitution. However, there are distinct differences between these two charges. Pimping relates to the collection of money earned by a prostitute while pandering refers to someone who persuades someone to become, or continue working as, a prostitute.
There are other crimes related to pimping and pandering as well. If you get charged with any crime concerning aiding in prostitution, contact the Simmrin Law Group. Our team of criminal defense lawyers has extensive experience defending clients against these types of charges.
An Overview of Pimping
Pimping is the act of receiving financial income for assisting in the prostitution of another. Pimping can be charged for several services, including running a brothel or providing protection for a prostitute.
Pimping is prosecuted under California Penal Code (PC) §266(h). A pimping offense will always result in a felony charge. The possible consequences for a conviction include up to six years in prison.
If the person the defendant is accused of pimping is a minor under the age of 18, prison time can be extended to eight years. In this situation, the defendant would also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
An Overview of Pandering
Pandering is the act of encouraging another party to begin or continue work as a prostitute. Most often, this charge is handed down when a person is coerced into prostitution, either through threats against the individual or their loved ones.
However, even simply talking someone into prostitution by painting it in a positive light can technically be charged as pandering. The methods used to get someone to act as a prostitute are irrelevant. Any way in which one might convince an individual to prostitute oneself is a form of pandering.
Pandering is prosecuted under PC §266(i). Like pimping, pandering is always processed as a felony. It can also result in up to six years in prison with additional penalties if the person the defendant is accused of pandering to is a minor.
Individuals who face pandering charges often face charges for pimping as well. However, it is possible to be charged only with pandering if a defendant convinced someone to prostitute themselves but then did not profit from the prostitution. Receiving a pimping charge without a pandering charge is also possible when a pimp is not the one to talk the person into prostitution.
Penalties for Supervising or Aiding a Prostitute in California
In addition to pimping and pandering, anyone who plays a part in the prostitution process, aside from the prostitute, can be charged under PC §653.23: Supervising or Aiding a Prostitute. This charge is a misdemeanor. Potential penalties include:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Summary probation
This charge can always be filed in addition to a pimping or pandering charge. It can also be used as part of a plea agreement when facing a charge for pimping or pandering.
Under certain circumstances, a person could be guilty of supervising or aiding a prostitute without being guilty of either pimping or pandering. However, this would be extremely rare. It would require a person to assist a prostitute in carrying out their illegal activity without receiving any financial gain.
Collateral Consequences of a Pimping or Pandering Charge in CA
Pimping and pandering convictions can not only result in criminal penalties but collateral consequences as well. Your entire life could be changed if you are found guilty of pandering, pimping, or another type of sex crime. Some of the common types of fallout reported by convicted felons include:
- Issues finding or retaining affordable housing
- Difficulty obtaining gainful employment
- Trouble maintaining employment
- Being passed over for career opportunities
- Being required to register as a sex offender
- Housing location restrictions
- Court ordered mental health counseling or group therapy
- Immigration troubles or deportation
- Loss of the right to bear arms
With penalties this harsh, it is essential that you contact a California sex crimes attorney at the Simmrin Law Group to clear your name of the allegations against you.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help from Sex Crimes Attorney in California Today
At the Simmrin Law Group, our legal team has defended several clients against these charges. We have a proven track record of getting favorable results. We know how prosecutors handle these charges and what it takes to fight back.
Fill out our online contact form or give us a call today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. One of our criminal defense attorneys will review your case, answer all your questions, and advise you of your legal options.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form