Prostitution Lawyer in San Francisco
Need a Prostitution Lawyer in San Francisco? The Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson provides personalized defense. Contact us for confidential representation.
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Prostitution Defense in San Francisco
Being accused of prostitution or solicitation in San Francisco can affect more than your freedom. A charge may also put your reputation, career, and future at risk. Knowing what to do next can be difficult, especially if your arrest involved an undercover investigation.
The Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson represents people facing prostitution and solicitation charges in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Rebecca Feigelson can review the circumstances of your arrest, examine the evidence against you, and help you understand the defenses and legal options available.
A prostitution charge does not automatically mean you will be convicted. The prosecution must prove the required elements of the offense. Getting legal help early can also help you avoid statements or decisions that may affect your defense. Contact our firm to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.
What Is Prostitution Under California Law?
Under California Penal Code § 647(b), prostitution-related offenses can involve soliciting, agreeing to engage in, or engaging in prostitution in exchange for compensation, money, or something of value.
A sexual act does not always have to occur for charges to arise. For an agreement to engage in prostitution, the prosecution must establish the specific intent required by California law. There must also be an act in furtherance of the agreement.
The law can apply to both the person offering sexual activity for compensation and the person offering or providing compensation. As a result, a person can face charges based on allegations of purchasing sexual activity, even if no sexual act took place.
California law treats cases involving minors differently. A person under 18 cannot be charged with prostitution under Penal Code § 647(b). Adults accused of soliciting, agreeing to engage in, or engaging in commercial sexual activity with a minor may face different and more serious charges.
If you are accused of prostitution or solicitation, a criminal defense lawyer can determine what prosecutors must prove in your case. An attorney can also review communications, recordings, police conduct, and other evidence to identify weaknesses or possible defenses.
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Penalties for Prostitution in San Francisco, California
A prostitution-related offense involving adults under California Penal Code § 647(b) is generally a misdemeanor. However, the penalties depend on the alleged conduct, prior convictions, and other circumstances. Some related offenses, particularly those involving minors, may result in more serious charges, including felony charges.
Potential consequences may include:
- Jail time and fines: A misdemeanor prostitution conviction can result in county jail time, fines, or both.
- Felony penalties: Certain prostitution-related offenses involving minors or other serious conduct may be charged as felonies and carry greater penalties.
- Increased penalties for repeat offenses: Prior prostitution-related convictions can lead to additional consequences for subsequent offenses.
- Consequences involving a vehicle: Additional restrictions may apply in certain cases involving the use of a vehicle.
- Long-term consequences: A conviction may affect employment, professional licensing, immigration status, and your reputation.
The penalties you face will depend on the specific offense and facts of your case. A prostitution lawyer in San Francisco can review the charge, explain whether you face misdemeanor or felony penalties, and help you understand your legal options.
Possible Defenses to Prostitution Charges in San Francisco
Being arrested for prostitution or solicitation does not mean that you will be convicted. Prosecutors must prove the elements of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The defenses available will depend on the allegations and evidence in your case.
Possible defenses may include:
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution may lack enough evidence to establish the required elements of prostitution or solicitation.
- Lack of intent: For certain prostitution-related charges, prosecutors must establish that you acted with the specific intent required by California law.
- No act in furtherance of an agreement: An agreement alone may not be enough. California law requires an act in furtherance of the agreement in addition to the required intent.
- Entrapment: The conduct of law enforcement may provide a defense in some cases involving undercover operations.
- Unlawfully obtained evidence: Statements or other evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights may be challenged.
- Mistaken identity or false accusations: The evidence may not establish that you committed the alleged offense or that the alleged conduct occurred as claimed.
A successful defense may lead to reduced charges, dismissal, an acquittal, or another resolution. The outcome will depend on the facts and evidence in each case.
How Can We Help With a Prostitution Charge?
At the Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson, we understand that a prostitution or solicitation charge can be stressful and deeply personal. You may be concerned about the criminal case itself as well as the potential impact on your reputation, career, and future. Our firm can help you understand what you are facing and what steps may be available to protect your rights.
We will review the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you. Depending on your case, our representation may include:
- Reviewing the evidence: Rebecca Feigelson can examine police reports, recordings, messages, witness statements, and other evidence related to the allegations.
- Examining undercover police conduct: If your arrest resulted from an undercover operation, we can assess how law enforcement conducted the investigation and whether entrapment or another defense may apply.
- Challenging the prosecution’s case: Our firm can evaluate whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence to establish intent, an agreement, an act in furtherance, or other required elements of the charged offense.
- Protecting your rights: We can identify potential issues involving statements, searches, arrests, or other law enforcement conduct and challenge unlawfully obtained evidence where appropriate.
- Exploring your legal options: Depending on the circumstances, we may pursue dismissal or reduced charges, negotiate with prosecutors, or defend you at trial.
Throughout your case, we will explain what is happening and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed. Our defense strategy will be based on the specific allegations, evidence, and circumstances you are facing.
Why Choose the Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson?
Prostitution and solicitation cases can involve sensitive allegations and serious concerns about privacy and reputation. At the Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson, we provide confidential, personalized criminal defense representation to clients in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Personal attention to your case: Rebecca Feigelson takes the time to understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to your defense.
- Careful examination of the evidence: Our approach includes looking closely at what prosecutors must prove and identifying weaknesses, inconsistencies, or legal issues that may affect the case against you.
- Clear communication: You deserve to understand the charges you face and the decisions ahead. We explain your options and potential consequences so you can make informed choices throughout the process.
- A defense tailored to your circumstances: Your strategy will depend on the evidence and facts of your case, whether the allegations involve solicitation, an alleged agreement, an undercover operation, or another prostitution-related offense.
- Support throughout the criminal process: From the initial case review through negotiations, hearings, or trial, our firm will advocate for your rights and interests at each stage.
If you are facing prostitution or solicitation charges in San Francisco, the Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson can review your situation, explain your options, and help you determine the next steps in your defense.
Contact a Prostitution Lawyer in San Francisco for Help Today
If you are facing prostitution or solicitation charges in San Francisco, getting legal guidance early can help you understand the allegations, your rights, and the options available to you.
At the Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide confidential, personalized representation. We will review the circumstances of your case, assess the evidence against you, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Whether you have been arrested, charged, or are under investigation, our firm is ready to help you navigate the criminal process and protect your rights. Contact the Law Office of Rebecca Feigelson today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Be Charged With Solicitation If No Money Changed Hands?
Potentially, yes. A completed payment is not necessarily required for a prostitution-related charge. Depending on the alleged offense, prosecutors may rely on evidence of an offer, agreement, communications, or other conduct to establish the required elements. Whether the evidence is sufficient will depend on the circumstances of the case.
What Happens If I Was Arrested by an Undercover Police Officer?
Undercover operations are commonly associated with prostitution and solicitation investigations. An undercover arrest does not automatically establish guilt. A defense attorney can review recordings, messages, police reports, and the officer’s conduct to determine what occurred and whether the prosecution can prove each element of the charge. The circumstances may also raise questions about entrapment in some cases.
Will a Prostitution Charge Appear on a Background Check?
An arrest or conviction may appear on certain criminal background checks, depending on the circumstances and the type of search performed. This can create concerns involving employment, housing, professional licensing, and reputation. If you have been charged, an attorney can also explain whether record-clearing options may become available in your case.
Can Prostitution Charges Be Dismissed in California?
Yes, prostitution charges can be dismissed in some cases, but dismissal is not guaranteed. The outcome may depend on the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, whether the required intent or conduct can be established, whether evidence was lawfully obtained, and other circumstances. A defense attorney can review the case for weaknesses that may support dismissal, reduced charges, or another resolution.
What Should I Do After a Prostitution or Solicitation Arrest in San Francisco?
Avoid discussing the allegations with law enforcement or other people before obtaining legal advice, as your statements could potentially become evidence. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Getting legal guidance early also gives your lawyer an opportunity to review the evidence, explain the charges, and begin identifying potential defenses.
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Law Chambers Building, 345 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the creation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results portrayed here were dependent on the facts of a particular legal matter and results vary from case to case.
