PENAL CODE 266h PIMPING and 266i PANDERING

Pandering, as defined under Penal Code 266i, refers to encouraging, persuading, or influencing someone to become or remain a prostitute. The law encompasses a range of behaviors, including:

• Using promises, threats, or violence to encourage prostitution.
• Arranging for someone to work in a brothel.
• Offering or receiving money in exchange for facilitating prostitution.
• Using fraud or coercion to convince someone to engage in prostitution.

It’s important to note that intent plays a key role in proving a pandering charge. Even if the person does not ultimately engage in prostitution, attempting to persuade them is enough to warrant prosecution.

To better understand how pandering is interpreted, consider the following scenarios:

• Offering someone money to join a brothel.
• Threatening to harm a person unless they continue working as a prostitute.
• Coordinating with a brothel to hire a friend or acquaintance.
• Convincing someone through false promises of safety or income to engage in prostitution.

Each of these examples illustrates how pandering can involve deceit, coercion, or financial arrangements.

Under Penal Code 266h, pimping involves profiting from someone else’s involvement in prostitution. This can include:

1. Accepting money earned through prostitution.
2. Managing or supporting individuals engaged in prostitution.

If convicted, penalties include up to six years in state prison, or eight years if the victim is a minor. Additionally, the convicted individual may be required to register as a sex offender.

Violations of Penal Code 266i are also treated as felonies, with punishments that include:

1. Three, four, or six years in state prison.
2. Up to eight years if the person persuaded is a minor.
3. Lifetime registration as a sex offender for cases involving minors.

In addition to prison sentences, those convicted may face:

• Fines up to $10,000.
• Formal probation, which includes strict reporting requirements and potential restrictions on travel or employment.
• Long-term consequences, such as difficulty securing employment or housing.

If you’ve been accused of pimping or pandering, a strong legal defense is essential. Common defenses include:

Proving that you were unaware of the person’s involvement in prostitution or lacked the intent to persuade them is a key strategy. This defense hinges on showing that your actions were not deliberate.

False accusations can arise due to personal conflicts, revenge, or misunderstandings. A skilled attorney can uncover inconsistencies in the accuser’s story to demonstrate your innocence.

Law enforcement stings sometimes involve coercive tactics. If an officer pressured or lured you into committing an act you otherwise would not have, you may have a valid entrapment defense.

Prosecutors must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Highlighting weaknesses in the evidence, such as unreliable witnesses or lack of corroborating proof, can lead to dropped charges or acquittal.

Facing charges under Penal Codes 266h or 266i can be overwhelming, but the experienced attorneys at DCD LAW are here to help. With a deep understanding of California’s criminal justice system, we craft personalized defense strategies tailored to your case. From challenging evidence to negotiating reduced penalties, DCD LAW ensures that your rights are protected every step of the way.