“Pimping” and “pandering” are related terms, often associated with illegal activities involving sex work, but they refer to different roles and activities within the context of prostitution and human trafficking.  “Human trafficking,” on the other hand, is a broader offense that encompasses various forms of exploitation, including but not limited to sexual exploitation. 

Pimping:

• Pimping involves the act of promoting or managing prostitutes for financial gain. A pimp is an individual who organizes and controls the activities of sex workers. Pimps typically arrange clients for sex workers, provide protection, and often take a portion of the earnings generated by the sex workers.
• Pimping is primarily about the facilitation and management of sex work, and pimps are often responsible for the logistics, safety, and financial aspects of the trade.

Pandering:

• Pandering, also known as “procuring” or “solicitation,” involves the act of enticing or recruiting individuals to engage in prostitution. In this context, a “panderer” is someone who lures or persuades individuals, often vulnerable or in dire circumstances, to become involved in prostitution.
• Pandering is more about recruiting or soliciting individuals to work as sex workers, while pimping focuses on the ongoing management and exploitation of those already involved in prostitution.

Human Trafficking:

• Human trafficking, on the other hand, is a broader offense that encompasses various forms of exploitation, including but not limited to sexual exploitation. It can involve the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or receipt of individuals by force, fraud, or coercion for various exploitative purposes, such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, or involuntary servitude.
• Human trafficking encompasses a range of activities beyond prostitution, including labor trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

Here’s an overview of the potential penalties:

Pimping:

• Pimping is a felony in California. The penalties for pimping may include imprisonment in state prison for three, four, or six years.
• If the defendant is found guilty of pimping a minor under 16 years old, the penalties increase to a potential prison term of three, six, or eight years.
• In addition to imprisonment, a defendant likely faces fines, probation and/or parole, and sex offender registration.

Pandering:

• Pandering is also a felony in California. The penalties for pandering can include imprisonment in state prison for three, four, or six years.
• If the defendant is found guilty of pandering a minor under 16 years old, the penalties increase to a potential prison term of three, six, or eight years.
• Like with pimping, there may be fines, probation and/or parole, and sex offender registration.

It’s important to note that human trafficking can involve both sex trafficking and labor trafficking, and it focuses on the trafficking and exploitation of victims rather than just the management of sex workers. Human trafficking laws are designed to combat all forms of human exploitation and protect victims, making them distinct from laws related to pimping.

The penalties for human trafficking are generally more severe than those for pimping, and they can include lengthy prison sentences, fines, and restitution to victims. Additionally, human trafficking laws are often tied to federal statutes and international agreements, reflecting the global concern for combating human trafficking in all its forms.

Human Trafficking

• Human trafficking is a felony in California.  The penalties for human trafficking vary depending on the nature of the offense, but may include imprisonment in state prison for eight, fourteen, or twenty years.
• Human trafficking of a minor can be punished by five, eight, or twelve years, or by 15 years to life if force is used.
• Like with both pimping and pandering, there may be fines, probation and/or parole, and sex offender registration.

It’s important to note that while prostitution itself is illegal in most parts of California, law enforcement and the legal system often prioritize prosecuting those involved in the facilitation and exploitation of prostitution, such as pimps and panders.  In this context, adult sex workers are viewed primarily as victims.

If you or someone you know is facing charges related to pimping or pandering or human trafficking in California, it is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in criminal defense to understand the specific legal implications and potential defenses available in the given situation. Legal counsel can provide guidance on the best course of action and help protect your rights.