Question 1

What Is the Difference Between Pimping and Pandering in Orange County?

Accepted Answer

Pimping is when you knowingly receive money from a prostitute, loan money to a prostitute, or receive money for the procurement of a prostitute. Pandering is similar, but slightly different. Pandering is when you procure a prostitute for someone but do not receive any money for it. You can also be charged with pandering for persuading someone to become a prostitute.

There are many situations where pimping and pandering overlap, making it difficult for defendants to understand the charges against them. There are also situations where pimping and pandering can lead to a charge of human trafficking, such as if a defendant used threats, violence, or intimidation to convince someone to be a prostitute.

The legal definitions of these charges under California law are:

Pimping: According to California Penal Code 266(h), pimping refers to when a defendant knows “another person is a prostitute” AND “lives or derives support or maintenance in whole or in part from the earnings or proceeds of the person’s prostitution” OR loans money and receives payments from a prostitute or brothel OR “who solicits or receives compensation for soliciting” clients for a prostitute.
Pandering: A defendant can be charged under California Penal Code 266(i) for “procuring,” convincing, threatening, or forcing someone to be a prostitute, OR arranging for a prostitute to work at a brothel OR receiving money or property for soliciting a prostitute for someone else.
Sex Trafficking: Under California Penal Code 236.1, a defendant can be charged with human trafficking for attempting to deprive another person of their “personal liberty” in conjunction with pimping and/or pandering.

As you can see, the line between these charges is very fine. For instance, if you live with a girlfriend who works as a prostitute and pays part of the rent, you can be charged with pimping. If a friend is looking for a "lady of the evening" and you give him the phone number of someone you know is a prostitute, you can be charged with pandering.

This is why it is so important to be represented by an experienced attorney who thoroughly understands California’s penal codes and can fully explain the charges against you. In addition, our legal team can review all the evidence and defend your reputation in a criminal court.

Question 2

What Are the Consequences of a Pimping and Pandering Charge?

Accepted Answer

Both pimping and pandering are generally considered felonies in California, which can lead to incarceration in a state prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and the loss of certain rights. If you are convicted of pimping or pandering, you could face consequences including:

A fine of up to $10,000
A prison sentence of three, four, or six years
A strike on your record
Having to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life
The loss of gun rights
The loss of voting rights until you complete parole

However, if the charge involved a minor under the age of 16, then you face three, six, or eight years in prison. These charges can also overlap with other crimes, such as kidnapping, assault, or criminal threats. If you are charged with sex trafficking, the penalties can significantly increase, leading to:

A fine of up to $500,000
A prison sentence of eight, 14, or 20 years in prison
A strike on your record
Having to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life
The loss of gun rights
The loss of voting rights until you complete parole

If the sex trafficking charges against you involve a minor under the age of 18, then you face five, eight, or 12 years in prison. If a jury determines that you used force, extortion, fraud, or threats to force a minor in conjunction with trafficking, then you face 15 years to life in prison.

Question 3

How Can an Experienced OC Attorney Help You?

Accepted Answer

While prostitution may be considered "the world’s oldest profession," it is still illegal in most states and police enforce it strongly. Though the crime of prostitution itself is a misdemeanor, pimping and pandering are both felonies. In addition to the legal penalties, being accused of these crimes can result in a great deal of embarrassment for you and your family. An experienced sex crime defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or reduced by proving:

You were falsely accused
There is insufficient evidence
You lacked criminal intent
You were the victim of entrapment by law enforcement

For your freedom and your reputation’s sake, contact Law Office of Michael L. Guisti immediately if you or a loved one is accused of pimping or pandering. Call (714) 530-9690 or toll-free (888) 478-8999 for a free consultation with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney and find out what your options are.

Orange County Pimping and Pandering Lawyers

Pimping and Pandering Defense - Penal Codes 266h and 266i

What Is the Difference Between Pimping and Pandering in Orange County?

What Are the Consequences of a Pimping and Pandering Charge?

How Can an Experienced OC Attorney Help You?

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