Georgia Pimping Defense Lawyer
Most people envision a pimp as someone who is “in charge” of a prostitute – a sort of illicit business manager who arranges appointments and takes a cut. However, in the state of Georgia, a person can be charged with pimping if they merely “aid and abet” in the commission of prostitution. This can include: procuring a prostitute for another person, arranging a meeting and/or transporting someone for the purposes of prostitution, and knowingly receiving the proceeds of prostitution.
What Is Pimping in Georgia?
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16-6-11) states that a person commits the offense of pimping (O.C.G.A. 16-6-11) when he or she does any of the following:
Offers or agrees to procure a prostitute for another;
Offers or agrees to arrange a meeting of persons for the purpose of prostitution;
Directs or transports another person to a place where he or she knows or should know that the direction or transportation is for the purpose of prostitution;
Receives money or another thing of value from a prostitute, without lawful consideration, knowing it was earned in whole or in part from prostitution; or
Aids or abets, counsels, or commands another in the commission of prostitution or aids or assists in prostitution where the proceeds or profits derived therefrom are to be divided on a pro rata basis.
Thus, if you hire an escort for a friend, you may be guilty of pimping. The same goes if you work as a driver for a prostitute, or if you share in profits that you know were earned from prostitution.
The state of Georgia defines prostitution as the exchange of sexual contact for money or other items of value – or the mere offer of or agreement to such an exchange. Thus, even of sexual contact never happens, or money never changes hand, prostitution may still have occurred. Similarly, merely offering or agreeing to procure a prostitute or to facilitate prostitution in some other way may qualify as pimping.
Keeping A Place of Prostitution
It is also illegal to run a brothel or to allow property under your control to be used for prostitution. According to Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16-6-10): “A person having or exercising control over the use of any place or conveyance which would offer seclusion or shelter for the practice of prostitution commits the offense of keeping a place of prostitution when he knowingly grants or permits the use of such a place for the purpose of prostitution.
Georgia Penalties for Pimping & Keeping A Place of Prostitution
A conviction for pimping or keeping a place of prostitution is usually considered a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. The punishment depends on the circumstances of the case and whether the offender has a previous criminal record. It may include jail time, fines, community service, and/or mandatory registration as a sex offender.
If the crime took place within 1,000 feet of a school, place of worship, or playground, an additional $2,500 fine will be levied. More seriously, if a person is convicted of a crime involving an underage prostitute, he can be charged with a felony. If the minor is between the ages of 16-18, the pimp or brothel owner faces a punishment of 5-20 years in prison and a fine of $2,500 to $10,000. If the minor is under the age of 16, the punishment increases to 10-30 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
The Berry Law Group Is Here To Help
If you have been accused of or charged with pimping, you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights. Contact the Berry Law Group for a free consultation today. Our attorneys specialize in defending against unfair sex crimes charges. We do everything in our power to advocate for our clients and to obtain for them the best possible outcomes.