Soliciting a prostitute: multiple convictions.

Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to solicit, or agree to engage in, or to engage in, an act of prostitution with another person in exchange for the individual providing compensation, money, or anything of value to the other person. Under existing law, for each felony case, a court is required to hold, and a prosecutor is required to attend, a preliminary hearing. This bill would make it a felony to solicit, agree to engage in, or to engage in, an act of prostitution in exchange for compensation when the person soliciting the prostitute has been convicted of the same crime on 2 prior occasions. By increasing the penalty for a crime, and by imposing additional duties on local prosecutors by increasing the number of preliminary hearings, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.