Have You Been Charged With Pimping in Georgia?

How Does the Georgia Code Define Pimping?

Under Georgia law, the criminal offense of pimping occurs when a person does any of the following acts:

•  Agrees or offers to secure the services of a prostitute for another

• Agrees or offers to arrange a meeting of persons for the purpose of prostitution

• Transports or directs another to a place knowingly for the purpose of prostitution

• Knowingly receives money or valuables from a prostitute without lawful consideration (such as in exchange for legitimate products or services)

• Aids or abets another in the commission of prostitution.

• Counsels, encourages or commands another to engage in prostitution

• Aiding or abetting prostitution and dividing the proceeds on a pro-rata basis

Other Pimping-Related Offenses

Pimping is different from prostitution. Although both offenses are related, one shouldn’t be confused with the other. Prostitution involves performing a sexual act or acts in exchange for money or other benefits. Pimping is essentially a tool used to facilitate prostitution.

Another sexual offense that may be confused with pimping is pandering. A person commits pandering by doing the following:

• Soliciting acts of prostitution for their benefit or the benefit of others

• Knowingly assembling persons at a specific location to allow them to be solicited by others to perform acts of prostitution.

The difference between pimping and pandering is that pimping mainly involves receiving money from or in furtherance of prostitution. 

From the above definitions of both crimes, it appears that the same set of actions may amount to pimping and pandering in some cases. In such circumstances, the defendant may be charged with both offenses since they are punished separately under the law. 

What Are the Penalties for Pimping Upon Conviction? 

The punishment for pimping upon conviction depends on several factors, including the defendant’s criminal history, where the offense was committed, and whether a minor was involved.

Pimping for a first offender is categorized as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. The punishment is a term of imprisonment for up to a year.

A second or subsequent pimping conviction is elevated to a felony. The punishment for felony pimping is imprisonment for between a year and ten years.

Pimping is also a felony if the offense involves a minor. The punishment for pimping a minor is imprisonment for at least ten years but not more than 30 years and a fine of up to $100000.

If the offense was committed within a thousand feet of a school, playground, place of worship, or recreation center primarily used by minors, the sentence shall include a fine of $2500. 

Other Consequences of a Pimping Conviction 

Forfeiture 

After a pimping conviction, any motor vehicle used to perform the offending acts becomes contraband, and the convicted person loses their rights to such vehicles to the government.

Any profits derived therefrom or other property directly or indirectly used to facilitate the commission of the offense are also subject to forfeiture.

Mandatory Sex Offender Registration 

The Georgia Sex Offender Registry helps the public and law enforcement agencies keep tabs on convicted sexual offenders.

Those eligible for registration must provide their contact and biometric information to the prison authorities before release. Within 72 hours of their release, they must also repeat the registration process with the sheriff’s office of their place of residence.

If you are convicted of a pimping charge involving a minor, you are mandated to register as a sex offender. Failure to register is an offense that could lead to further criminal penalties. 

The sex offender registry is public, which means that everyone is aware of your criminal history. This could make it hard to adjust to life after completing your sentence and leave your reputation in tatters.

Also, registered sex offenders are subject to many restrictions related to the kinds of jobs they can do and where they can live. The registration lasts until death unless a court orders otherwise.

Public Criminal Record

The public can access criminal records in Georgia unless a record restriction order exists. Unfortunately, record restriction only applies to arrest records and not conviction records.

This means that the record of your pimping conviction can be accessed by third parties such as prospective employers. As a result, you could lose out on significant opportunities to improve your station in life after a pimping conviction.

How a Lawyer Can Help

The only way to avoid all these issues is to avoid being convicted. You are permitted to defend yourself in court personally. But unless you have criminal defense knowledge and experience, you could be risking your chances by doing so.

Consider seeking professional help from experienced criminal defense attorneys in Georgia. With competent legal counsel, it may be possible to have your (felony) pimping charges reduced or even dropped. Your criminal defense lawyer might also be able to negotiate a plea agreement that minimizes the potential repercussions of a conviction.

Essentially the odds are better when you have a criminal defense attorney. Feel free to contact one today.

Need Help Dealing With Your Pimping Charges? Contact Philip Kim Law, P.C.

If you have questions about your pimping charges and how to defend yourself, we can help at Philip Kim Law, P.C.

With our extensive criminal defense experience, we can answer your queries, fight for your rights and stand by you throughout your case.

We serve clients across Gwinnett County and the North Metro Atlanta area. If you’re in these areas, reach out to us immediately to set up a free consultation.