Atlanta Pandering Defense Lawyer

A conviction for pandering can have serious long-term ramifications, from destroying one's reputation to landing an offender in jail. Being found guilty of pandering can mean mandatory registration as a sex offender, which can severely limit where a person can work, live, or even visit. Furthermore, Georgia law requires the publication of the names, addresses and photos of those convicted of pandering in local newspapers. Fortunately, being charged with pandering does not automatically mean you will be convicted. These severe consequences merely underline the importance of hiring an experienced, aggressive lawyer to fight the accusations against you. Kimberly Berry is an attorney specializing in sex crimes who will listen to your side of the story and craft the best defense strategy possible. It is important that you have an advocate on your side as early in the legal process as possible, so contact the Berry Law Group today.

Definition of Pandering & Pandering By Compulsion

According to Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16-6-12), the crime of pandering has occurred when an individual “solicits a person to perform an act of prostitution in his or her own behalf or in behalf of a third person or when he or she knowingly assembles persons in a fixed place for the purpose of being solicited by others to perform an act of prostitution.”

Thus, pandering is related to both solicitation (seeking sex for money for yourself or a third party) and pimping (assembling prostitutes for the purpose of being solicited).

Separately, Georgia defines pandering by compulsion as when a person “by duress or coercion causes a person to perform an act of prostitution.” This refers to the crime of forcing another person to engage in prostitution.

Punishments for Pandering & Pandering By Compulsion

Pandering is usually charged as a misdemeanor of a high or aggravated nature. While penalties vary depending on the circumstances, they may include jail time, a fine, mandatory sex offender registration and/or community service. In addition, a person convicted of pandering in Georgia will have a notice of conviction, including their name, address, photograph, and details of their arrest, published in the local newspaper.

Penalties will increase if children were involved in the criminal activity. If the pandering occurred within 1,000 feet of a school, place of worship, or playground used by children, an additional $2,500 fine will be levied. More seriously, if a child is part of the pandering (i.e.- an underage prostitute is involved), the crime will be charged as a felony. If the underage accomplice is over 16 years of age, the offender will face 5-20 years in prison, a $2,500-$10,000 fine, or both. If the accomplice is under the age of 16, a pandering conviction can bring a sentence of 10-30 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.

The crime of pandering by compulsion is considered a felony and a conviction on this charge can bring a sentence of 1-10 years in prison.

Why Do I Need a Pandering Defense Lawyer?

Kimberly understands that being charged with a crime does not make a person guilty, as she has defended many clients who were falsely accused. She will listen to your account with an open mind and then lay out your best options.  As with all her cases, she will study your circumstances carefully and look for inconsistencies in the story the police and prosecutors are trying to tell. Pandering cases often hinge on the testimony of eyewitnesses of questionable credibility. Moreover, it is important that law enforcement officers do not cross the line from legal sting operation to entrapment. The sooner you contact the Berry Law Group, the sooner Kimberly can review your case and determine the best path forward based on your specific situation.