HAVE YOU BEEN ACCUSED OF PENAL CODE SECTION 647(b)? IF SO YOU ARE FACING SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES AND NEED THE INFORMATION BELOW TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT TO DO
Penal Code Section 647(b) | Navigating the Legal System After a Solicitation Accusation
California Penal Code Section 647(b) specifically addresses solicitation charges in our state. This statute makes it illegal to either solicit or engage in any act of prostitution. When facing accusations of solicitation, understanding the specifics of this law and your rights is crucial for protecting your future.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process. Call Wallin & Klarich today toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for your free phone consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys near you.
Understanding PC 647(b) Charges
Under California Penal Code Section 647(b), solicitation is defined as requesting another person to engage in an act of prostitution with the specific intent to engage in such an act. The law criminalizes both:
- The act of soliciting prostitution
- The act of agreeing to engage in prostitution
- The act of engaging in prostitution
Prosecutors must prove several elements to secure a conviction under PC 647(b):
- You solicited, agreed to engage in, or engaged in prostitution
- You did so with specific intent to engage in prostitution
- A specific act occurred demonstrating the moving forward with the agreement
Penalties Under PC 647(b)
A violation of PC 647(b) is typically charged as a misdemeanor in California. Potential consequences include:
- Up to six months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000 plus penalty assessment which can raise the fine much higher
- Probation requirements
- Required counseling programs
- A criminal conviction on your record which can affect employment and housing opportunities in the future
Enhanced penalties may apply for repeat offenders or if certain aggravating factors are present.
Immediate Steps to Take Following an Arrest
If you’re arrested under PC 647(b), taking prompt action is crucial:
- Exercise your right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney
- Document everything you remember about the incident
- Preserve any evidence that might be relevant to your defense
Common Defense Strategies for PC 647(b) Cases
At Wallin & Klarich, we can help develop defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. Common legal defenses include:
Lack of Intent
The prosecution must prove you specifically intended to engage in prostitution. Misunderstandings, ambiguous communications, or lack of agreement about payment can provide grounds for defense.
Entrapment
Law enforcement must follow strict guidelines during sting operations. If officers induced you to commit an act you wouldn’t otherwise have considered, this may constitute entrapment and could be grounds for dismissal.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove each element of PC 647(b) beyond a reasonable doubt. Often, evidence may be circumstantial or based solely on an officer’s testimony.
Constitutional Violations
If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation or arrest, evidence might be suppressed, potentially leading to dismissal of charges.
How Wallin & Klarich Can Help
Our criminal defense team provides comprehensive representation for individuals facing PC 647(b) charges:
Thorough Case Analysis
We meticulously review all evidence, including:
- Police reports and body camera footage
- Surveillance recordings
- Communication records
- Witness statements
- Law enforcement procedures during the investigation or sting operation
Strategic Defense Planning
Our attorneys develop customized defense strategies considering:
- The specific circumstances of your arrest
- Available evidence and potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Applicable laws and recent court decisions
- Potential constitutional issues
- Your personal circumstances and goals
Skilled Negotiation
We work diligently to:
- Negotiate with prosecutors for charge reduction or dismissal
- Explore pre-trial diversion programs
- Seek alternative sentencing options
- Minimize collateral consequences
Court Representation
Our experienced trial attorneys:
- Challenge evidence effectively
- Cross-examine prosecution witnesses
- Present compelling defense arguments
- Protect your interests throughout the proceedings
Alternative Resolution Options
California offers several programs that may help avoid traditional criminal penalties:
- Pre-trial diversion programs
- Drug or alcohol treatment programs
- Counseling and education programs
- Community service options
Our firm has extensive experience helping clients access these alternative resolution options when appropriate.
Long-term Considerations
A PC 647(b) conviction can have lasting consequences beyond immediate penalties. We help clients understand and address:
- Professional license implications
- Employment background checks
- Housing applications
- Immigration consequences
- Future criminal proceedings
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you are facing solicitation charges, contact our aggressive criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich immediately. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped many clients avoid criminal convictions and kept them free from serving prison or jail sentences. We know the most effective strategies to argue for you, and we will do everything we can to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
Wallin & Klarich has offices throughout Southern California including Irvine, Pasadena, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Torrance, Victorville, West Covina, and Anaheim. Also, our law firm can handle many types of criminal cases statewide.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation with a skilled defense attorney near you.
