Back in March 2011, I wrote here that the California Supreme Court was poised to hear an important issue related to California pimp law: are you offering illegal pimp services if the woman is already ‘in the game’ (i.e., already a prostitute)? To recap from my prior post, in 2007, a man named 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.” Three months later,…
