An escort service is a company that provides escorts to paying clients who are seeking companionship to a public or private event. For example, a person may use an escort service to arrange for a companion to accompany them on a date.
California law considers escorts to be distinct from prostitutes, who provide sexual favors for payment. At the same time, to operate as a legal escort, you need a license that usually requires a background check.
A Los Angeles prostitution defense lawyer can help if you were arrested as an escort. Whether you hold a license or not, you may still face charges for prostitution, which can carry grave consequences. An attorney can challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and work toward the dismissal of your charges.
What Do Escorts Do?
In California, escort services are legal, but many people confuse this service with the illegal act of prostitution. The two are actually quite different. Unlike prostitution, which involves the exchange of payment or goods for sexual favors, escorting simply involves providing paid companionship.
Providing companionship can involve various, non-sexual activities, such as going on dates, attending events, and providing entertainment. Some escorts even act as tour guides, showing clients around a local area and introducing them to the cultural aspects of a place.
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Licensing Requirements for Escorts in Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles has specific regulations governing the escort industry. According to Los Angeles Municipal Code section 103.107.1, all individuals working as escorts must obtain and carry a valid escort license while providing escort services.
This licensing requirement applies to any person who, for monetary consideration and as a primary service, dates, socializes with, visits, consumes beverages with, or accompanies another person or persons. It covers both employees and independent contractors in the escort business.
To obtain an escort license, applicants must meet certain qualifications and go through the licensing process with the City. This includes submitting to fingerprinting, providing identification, paying applicable fees, and passing inspections of their escort service business premises if applicable.
Violating Licensing Laws
Operating as an unlicensed escort or hiring unlicensed escorts in Los Angeles can result in criminal charges. Penalties may include fines, jail time, and other consequences depending on the specifics of the violation.
Escorts must have their valid city license on their person and present it if requested by law enforcement or a customer. Failure to produce a license when legally required can lead to citations or arrests for unlicensed activity.
Potential for Prostitution Charges Against Escorts
While Los Angeles requires escorts to obtain a license to operate legally, simply having a license does not automatically protect an escort from facing prostitution charges in certain situations.
Under California Penal Code 647(b), the legal definition of prostitution is engaging in lewd acts or sexual intercourse for money or other compensation. This includes agreeing to pay for sexual favors as a client, as well. Even licensed escorts can be arrested and charged with prostitution if probable cause exists that they were paid specifically for sexual services.
Soliciting Sexual Acts
If an escort is found to be explicitly soliciting potential clients to pay them for sexual acts, rather than lawful escort services like companionship or dating, they can be charged with prostitution and related crimes like solicitation. Proposing sexual acts for money crosses the legal line.
Undercover Stings
Law enforcement may conduct undercover sting operations targeting suspected prostitution activities. If an undercover officer is offered sexual services in exchange for money by an escort, that can lead to a prostitution arrest regardless of licensing.
“Extras” or Prostitution Subterfuge
Even if sexual activities are portrayed as “extras” on top of legal escort services, that can be considered prostitution subterfuge. Authorities may see it as an attempt to make illegal sexual services appear legal.
While having a city escort license shows an intent to follow regulations, it does not automatically legalize any and all escort activities. Engaging in acts that meet the legal definition of prostitution under California statutes can nullify the protections a license aims to provide.
How a Prostitution Defense Lawyer Can Help Escorts
If facing prostitution or related charges as an escort in LA, a defense attorney can help by:
- License defense: An attorney can argue that you were lawfully employed as an escort and did not cross into illegal prostitution activities.
- Entrapment claims: A lawyer may be able to show entrapment, where law enforcement unlawfully induced or persuaded you into committing a crime.
- Lack of evidence: Your lawyer will scrutinize the evidence and statements for any gaps, inconsistencies, or constitutional violations that could get evidence suppressed or the charges reduced or dismissed.
- Investigate circumstances: An attorney can investigate the specific circumstances of your alleged activities to provide context and potentially distinguish lawful escort services from any accusations of illegal conduct.
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How a Solicitation Defense Lawyer Can Help Clients
If you were arrested as an alleged client for soliciting an escort for prostitution, you need capable legal counsel as well. A Los Angeles solicitation of prostitution defense lawyer can advocate on your behalf by:
- Challenge representations: A lawyer can examine the specific language and scenarios with law enforcement to determine if the alleged “solicitation” crossed legal boundaries or was perhaps misconstrued.
- Constitutional arguments: Improper search and seizures, entrapment, or other infringements on your constitutional rights can potentially get charges reduced or thrown out.
- Analyze evidence: From undercover recordings to testimony, an attorney will meticulously analyze the evidence against you and identify any gaps or flaws to leverage in your defense strategy.
We Can Explain What an Escort Service Is and Defend You Against Prostitution Charges
Escort services provide legal services for companionship in exchange for money, yet escorts can become the target of prostitution charges in California. With so much at stake, from fines and jail time to being listed as a sex offender, having a defense lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and future.
Whether you were arrested as an escort or a client of an escort, the Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers with Simmrin Law Group can Help. Call us now for a free consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form