Pandering

Many people believe pandering and pimping are the same crime. Pandering occurs when one person persuades or convinces another person to become—or continue to be—a prostitute. The receipt of money is not a part of the criminal offense of pandering. 

Pimping, on the other hand, requires that an individual receives the earnings of a prostitute. 

Pandering can use another’s debt to force them into prostitution, or can involve an individual causing his or her spouse or significant other to engage in prostitution. Pimping can include pandering while adding receiving the earnings from the prostitution. Both crimes are Class 5 felony offenses in the state of Arizona.  In the wake of accusations of Pandering in the greater Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County including but not limited to Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale or Gilbert, you need to contact an attorney immediately

Why You Should Choose the Chandler, AZ Ciccarelli Law Offices for Your Pandering Charges

Charges of pandering in the state of Arizona are extremely serious, since pandering is considered a sex crime. Because of this, it is imperative that you have a highly experienced criminal defense attorney from the Ciccarelli Law Offices beside you from start to finish. 

We understand that at a time like this, you may feel hopeless, unsure of which direction to turn and what to do. When you bring us on board, you are much more likely to have a positive outcome to your charges. With more than 100 combined years of national experience representing those charged with a criminal offense with knowledge, skill, compassion, and determination. 

We are 100 percent dedicated to fighting for those whose liberty is on the line. Lee Ciccarelli has been recognized as: 

• Super Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association
• Ten Best Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
• 10.0 rating by AVVO
• Top 100 Litigation Attorneys by the American Society of Legal Advocates

At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, we understand you have choices, and we hope you will choose the Ciccarelli Law Offices for your Pandering defense. 

The Legal Definition of Pandering in the State of Arizona

Under A.R.S. 13-3209, the criminal offense of pandering is a Class 5 felony. Pandering can be charged when a person is placed in the charge or custody of another for the purposes of prostitution. Placing another person in a house of prostitution can also be classified as pandering, since the intent would be that the person becomes a prostitute, engaging in acts of prostitution. Compelling, inducing, or encouraging one person to reside with another for the purpose of prostitution is considered pandering, as is compelling, inducing, or encouraging a person to become a prostitute or engage in an act of prostitution. 

What are the Penalties Associated with an Arizona Pandering Conviction?

If you are convicted of the criminal offense of pandering in the state of Arizona, you could receive a sentence from six months to two years and six months in prison. You could also be subject to extremely high fines, restitution, and rehabilitation programs, depending on the specific facts surrounding your charges of pandering. Any conviction means you will have to deal with a felony on your record for many years to come. 

A felony conviction on your record—particularly one related to a sex crime—can make it very difficult for you to obtain employment or rent a home or apartment. You could find it impossible to secure a federal student loan for higher education, or a professional license. Your right to own a firearm can be lost because of a felony conviction. Finally, you could potentially lose your right to vote following a conviction for pandering—or any felony conviction. 

If this is your first and only felony conviction, you will regain your civil rights once you have been discharged from prison and completed all aspects of your probation—along with paying all court-ordered fines and restitution. If you have multiple felony convictions, you must wait two years from the date you are discharged from prison to apply for a restoration of your rights. 

What are the Most Common Defenses for the Criminal Offense of Pandering?

The defense used by your criminal defense attorney from the Ciccarelli Law Offices will depend entirely on your specific charges and the circumstances surrounding your offense. Some of the most common defenses to criminal charges include:

• Actual innocence—You did not commit the crime. Perhaps you have an alibi, or perhaps an eyewitness mistakenly identified you. Technically, you do not have to prove anything because the prosecution must make their case, but your attorney will offer testimony, documents, and other evidence to support your claim of innocence. 
• Coercion or duress—The police coerced your confession to the crime of pandering or obtained the confession while you were under duress. 
• Involuntary intoxication—Involuntary intoxication falls under “lack of intent” defenses. If your drink was spiked, or you ate something at a party you did not realize was laced with a narcotic and became involuntarily intoxicated as a result, you might not be responsible for the criminal act of pandering. 
• Constitutional violations—You may not have been properly Mirandized when you were arrested (advised of your right to remain silent and to have an attorney present for questioning) or you may have asked for an attorney but were denied that right. Another type of Constitutional violation is an illegal search and seizure of your home, car, or person without the benefit of a valid warrant. When a police officer makes a mistake, that mistake could result in the suppression of certain evidence against you, or, in some cases, a dismissal of the case. 
• Insanity—the insanity defense claims you were suffering a severe mental disease or defect at the time the alleged crime of pandering was committed, rendering you unable to distinguish right from wrong. 
• Insufficient evidence—There is not sufficient evidence to support charges of pandering. 
• Statutes of Limitations—In some instances, charges may not have been brought against you within the allowed statutes of limitations in your state. In the state of Arizona, for Class 2 through Class 6 felonies, charges must be brought within seven years of when the alleged crime occurred. This is known as a procedural offense and can result in the charges being dropped if the prosecution does not bring charges within that seven-year window of time. 

Are You Facing Charges of Pandering? We Can Help! 

If you are facing charges of pandering, it is important to fully understand the severity of these charges and the lifelong consequences you face if convicted. Don’t trust your future to just anyone. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Arizona Criminal Defense lawyers have the experience and resources you need to fight these charges. 

Call a Phoenix Pandering Crimes Attorney Today

If you or somebody you love is facing accusations or charges of Pandering in the greater Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County including but not limited to Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale or Gilbert, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Not any attorney will do, and you likely need a team of Smart, Experienced, Aggressive, determined lawyers that fight back at sex crimes and discuss you or your loved one’s possible defenses and strategies.   Call now. Now is the time for action and the time for Lee Ciccarelli and his team.

Do not speak to law enforcement officials or prosecutors until you have legal counsel by your side. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, our team has a track record of success helping clients get through incredibly complex criminal defense cases. We know that the stakes are high, and we will use all of our resources to ensure you are treated fairly. When you need a Maricopa County sex crimes attorney, reach out to our team today. We are determined to fight for our clients. It’s in our DNA to have your back and your Success is Our Mission.