Information on the crime of abduction for prostitution, also called procurement by force of fraud for prostitution, is found at California penal code section 266a (PC266a-F). This brief overview covers the law and punishment related to PC 266a. For further information, contact our sex crimes criminal defense lawyers today for a free consultation.

 

PC 266a Law

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PC 266a: Each person who, within this state, takes any person against his or her will and without his or her consent, or with his or her consent procured by fraudulent inducement or misrepresent, for the purpose of prostitution, is guilty of abduction for prostitution (PC 266a Abbrev.)

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Prostitution Defined: Prostitution is engaging in sexual services for payment (cash, services, goods, etc.). Prostitution is illegal in California and occurs when a person agrees to commit prostitution, engages in prostitution, or solicits for prostitution (See PC 647(b)).

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PC 266a Punishment

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Prison Sentence: Abduction for prostitution is classified as a felony. If found guilty of PC 266a, the defendant could face either a probation sentence, or up to sixteen (16) months, two (2) years, or three (3) years in prison. The length of prison sentence is dependent on the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, the sophistication level of the crime, and more.

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Probation Sentence: A probation sentence is a period supervision instead a prison sentence. Probation sentences are allowed in PC 266a cases, but a probation sentence is not guaranteed. Whether a defendant receives a probation sentence after a conviction for abduction for prostitution defends on the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, the terms of any negotiated settlement between the defendant and the district attorney, and more.

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Note: A probation sentence can include a term of incarceration. However, when a probation sentence includes a term of incarceration, that incarceration is generally much shorter than if the defendant had not been granted a probation sentence. Additionally, a term of incarceration, that is made a part of a probation sentence, may usually, but not always, be served alternatively on work release or house around.

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No Suspended Sentence: If the defendant does not receive a probation sentence after a conviction for PC 266a, then the defendant will be sentenced to state prison, as opposed to county jail. Also, no part of a PC 266 prison sentence may be served out-of-prison (i.e., no “suspended” or “split” prison sentencing in PC 266a cases).

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Sex Offender Registration: Upon conviction for abduction for prostitution, the defendant will be required to register as a sex offender with local law enforcement (PC 290). Sex offender registration is required after a penal code 266a conviction regardless of whether the defendant received a probation sentence or a prison sentence. For more information, see Sex Offender Registration Requirements & CA Tier System for Sex Offenders.

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PC 266a Fines: A fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) may be levied against the defendant upon conviction.

 

Other Penalties: A conviction for PC 266a will lead to direct and indirect penalties including, loss of a professional license, immigration consequences for non-US citizens, civil lawsuits, restitution, criminal protective orders, harsh probation or parole terms, and more.

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Note: Abduction for prostitution is a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT). A CIMT carries harsh indirect penalties upon conviction, such as immigration, military service, and professional licensing consequences.

 

PC 266a Defenses

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Every abduction for prostitution case is different; therefore, every defense to a PC 266a case is uniquely crafted to meet alleged facts. With that in mind, some defenses are more common to PC 266a cases than others. These common defenses include, statute of limitations, insufficient evidence to prove the alleged facts, duress, illegally obtained evidence (police misconduct), entrapment, coerced confessions, and more.

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If you or a loved one has been charged with abduction for prostitution [procurement by force or fraud for prostitution], or penal code 266a, contact our experienced sex crimes criminal defense attorneys today for a free consultation. Our criminal defense attorney have helped hundreds of clients charged with misdemeanor and felony sex crimes in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. Our team is available seven days a week to assist you. Call today!

 

909-913-3138

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