Pimping & Pandering Defense Attorney
Pimping and pandering refer to the commercial aspect of prostitution and are serious criminal offenses in Florida. Law enforcement officials crack down harder on these crimes than they do on prostitution, and penalties can be severe by comparison. If you are accused of pimping and pandering, you’ll need an experienced, aggressive pandering defense lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf to eliminate or reduce the severe penalties associated with these crimes
How Florida courts define it
The terms “pimping” and “pandering” typically are used interchangeably, but they are slightly different. Pimping involves receiving money that was earned by someone else’s prostitution. Pimping also pertains to coordinating acts of prostitution, such as arranging a meeting between a prostitute and client. Pandering refers to the act of promoting or facilitating prostitution, such as forcing someone to engage in sex for hire. Although different, both charges carry the same penalties.
List of illegal acts
Pimping and pandering fall under Florida’s prostitution laws, which deem the following acts illegal:
- coercing or forcing someone to become a prostitute
- offering to find a person to engage in prostitution
- supporting yourself with money made from prostitution
- providing a place for prostitution to occur
- renting property to others if you know that they will use the space to engage in prostitution
Possible legal punishments
Pandering and pimping are felonies in the state of Florida, as opposed to prostitution, which typically is a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense. A first-time pandering conviction is a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of five years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If the pandering or pimping charge involves a minor, you will be convicted of a second-degree felony, which holds a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Felony charges are increased if you are a repeat offender. In addition to serving time in jail and draining your bank account to pay hefty fines for pimping and pandering convictions, you may have to register as a sexual offender or predator for the rest of your life.
We fight for your freedom
Pandering and pimping are difficult charges to fight, but choosing the right attorney is easy, and can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Dedicated to preserving your freedom, the Florida pandering attorneys at Ohle Law P.A. will work tirelessly to defend your case. For the skilled and knowledgeable legal defense you deserve, contact our West Palm Beach pimping and pandering lawyers to arrange a FREE consultation.