Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Legal News Blogs -> Legal Blog Watch

Legal News

: Legal Blog Watch

Pimp Law: Are You Offering Pimp Services if the Woman Is Already 'in the Game'?

By Bruce Carton

There is such a thing as California pimp law, and on March 8 the California Supreme Court will hear argument in a case that will help define it. The Associated Press reports that in 2007, Jomo Zambia was in his car at a "notorious intersection" in the San Fernando Valley known for its prostitutes. He allegedly asked a woman he believed to be a prostitute to enter his car, explained he was a pimp, and offered his pimp services, "which included providing housing and clothing, if she turned over all of her money to him." The prostitute was actually an LAPD Officer working undercover, and Zambia was arrested and later convicted of the crime of pandering, as one who "induces, persuades or encourages another person to become a prostitute." California's highest court will now examine whether a defendant like Zambia can be convicted of encouraging another person to become a prostitute when that person already appears to be working as a prostitute. Or, in AP writer Paul Elias' words, the court will define "what makes a pimp in California." Zambia's lawyer, Vanessa Place, argues that the law is directed at people who recruit innocent victims into the "game," and not...

Full post as published by Legal Blog Watch on March 01, 2011 (boomark / email).