Pandering and Pimping Charges in Georgia
Prostitution-related crimes like pandering and pimping seem to have misleading names that can make them confusing to understand in Georgia. But it’s important to look past the legalese and dig into what they really mean, because these are serious crimes with stiff penalties. This article will break down what pandering and pimping are, what the penalties are, and what defenses you might have if charged.
What is Pandering in Georgia?
Pandering involves encouraging someone to engage in prostitution. There are two types of pandering charges in Georgia:
- Pandering: Soliciting someone to perform an act of prostitution
- Pandering by compulsion: Using threats or coercion to cause someone to perform prostitution
Some examples of pandering include:
- Assembling people together to participate in prostitution
- Requiring sexual favors as a condition of employment
- Encouraging your spouse to engage in prostitution to make money
- Threatening someone to force them into prostitution
- Blackmailing someone to engage in prostitution
Pandering by compulsion is always a felony in Georgia. Pandering may be a felony if the victim is under 18. Pandering convictions require registering as a sex offender and STD testing.
What is Pimping in Georgia?
Pimping laws target third parties who facilitate acts of prostitution between sex workers and clients. Georgia’s pimping law makes it illegal to:
- Receive money or other items of value from the proceeds of prostitution
- Solicit people to patronize a prostitute
- Procure prostitutes for patrons
- Lease premises for prostitution purposes
Pimping is a “high and aggravated misdemeanor” in Georgia, but becomes a felony if the prostitute is under 18. Property used in pimping a minor can be seized and forfeited.
Penalties for Pandering and Pimping in Georgia
Pandering and pimping penalties depend on aggravating factors like the age of the victim:
- Misdemeanor Pandering: Up to 12 months in jail or fines up to $1000
- Felony Pandering: 1-10 years in prison
- Misdemeanor Pimping: Up to 12 months in jail or fines up to $1000
- Felony Pimping: 10-30 years in prison and fines up to $100,000
Those convicted of pandering or pimping may also face:
- Lifetime sex offender registration
- Publishing of conviction in local newspaper
- STD testing
- Forfeiture of assets connected to the crime
Defenses to Pandering and Pimping Charges
There are several legal defenses that a skilled criminal defense lawyer may use to fight pandering and pimping charges, including:
- Lack of criminal intent – Prosecutors must prove you intended to pander or pimp. You may not have realized your actions constituted a crime.
- Entrapment – You were induced by law enforcement to commit pandering or pimping when you otherwise wouldn’t have.
- Misidentification – You were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator.
- Duress – You were forced to pander or pimp by threats of harm.
An experienced pimping and pandering defense lawyer will thoroughly analyze the facts of your case to craft the strongest defense strategy possible.
Recent Legislative Changes
Georgia legislators have proposed bills in recent years to increase penalties for buyers of sex and pimps:
- A 2019 bill would have made pimping an automatic felony. It did not pass.
- A 2023 bill would make first-time solicitation of prostitution a felony. It is still pending.
These proposed laws highlight a trend towards harsher punishments for pimps and buyers, while maintaining lighter penalties for sex workers.
The Complex Web of Prostitution Laws in Georgia
As this overview shows, Georgia’s laws around prostitution, pimping and pandering form a complex web with many nuances. Minors being involved leads to felony charges with severe sentences. Those convicted face lasting consequences like sex offender registration. But skilled criminal defense lawyers can often negotiate reduced charges or acquittals by exploiting flaws in the prosecution’s case.
The intricacies of Georgia’s laws make it essential to have an experienced attorney on your side if you face pimping or pandering charges. A conviction can upend your life, but the right lawyer can help you avoid or minimize the consequences.