Caught in a Bedpage Police Sting? Here’s What You Need to Know

Online platforms like Bedpage are increasingly being used as tools by law enforcement in prostitution stings.

If you’ve been caught in one, the stakes are high, but it’s not the end of the road.

Understanding the law, your rights and how to defend yourself is crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about Bedpage police stings and solicitation charges in California.

And as always, if you have a legal situation that you need immediate help with, your best bet is to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney. They can review the specifics of your case and advise you on the best route forward.

What is Bedpage?

Bedpage is an online classified website that has gained notoriety for hosting personal ads, including those advertising escort or adult services. Often viewed as a successor to Backpage, Bedpage has become a focal point for law enforcement targeting illegal activities such as prostitution and human trafficking.

Although the platform itself is not illegal, many listings on Bedpage fall into gray areas that make them prime targets for undercover operations.

What are Los Angeles police doing on Bedpage?

Law enforcement agencies use Bedpage as a tool to conduct undercover stings aimed at curbing prostitution. Officers pose as escorts or clients, posting and responding to ads to catch individuals engaging in solicitation.

These stings are highly orchestrated and can involve text exchanges, phone calls and arranged in-person meetings to establish the intent to exchange money for sexual acts. Once intent is demonstrated, officers make an arrest, often relying on the digital trail created during these interactions.

What happens if you get caught soliciting a prostitute on Bedpage?

If you’re caught in a Bedpage police sting, you’ll likely be arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution under California Penal Code § 647(b). The process typically involves:

  • Arrest – Police arrest you at the meeting location or shortly afterward.
  • Booking and charges – You’ll be booked into custody and face misdemeanor charges for solicitation.
  • Court appearance – You’ll need to appear in court to address the charges.

This can be an embarrassing and life-altering experience, especially if it leads to public exposure or impacts your career and personal relationships.

The elements a prosecutor must prove to convict someone of soliciting a prostitute

To convict you of solicitation, the prosecution must prove:

  1. Intent – You willfully intended to engage in a sexual act.
  2. Agreement – There was an agreement between you and another person to exchange money or something of value for sexual services.
  3. Action – You took a substantial step toward completing the act, such as showing up at an agreed-upon location or offering payment.

Without evidence of all three elements, the prosecution cannot secure a conviction.

Penalties for soliciting a prostitute

In California, solicitation of prostitution is typically charged as a misdemeanor, with penalties including:

  • Up to 6 months in county jail
  • Fines of up to $1,000, plus additional court costs and fees
  • Probation
  • Mandatory participation in counseling or educational programs, such as those addressing human trafficking awareness
  • A potential requirement to register as a sex offender in certain cases

Repeat offenses or aggravating factors, like solicitation near a school, can lead to enhanced penalties.

Defenses if you get caught in a Bedpage police sting

Being charged with solicitation does not automatically mean a conviction. A skilled attorney can explore several defenses, including:

  • Entrapment – If law enforcement pressured or coerced you into committing the offense, this could be a valid defense.
  • Lack of intent – The prosecution must prove you intended to solicit a prostitute, which can be challenged if intent is unclear.
  • Insufficient evidence – Texts or communications must clearly show agreement and intent; vague or ambiguous exchanges may not hold up in court.
  • Unlawful search or arrest – If your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, evidence could be suppressed.

Each case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your situation.

If you’ve been caught in a Bedpage police sting, the consequences can be severe, but you don’t have to face them alone. Attorney Robert M. Helfend of the Helfend Law Group has over 40 years of experience defending clients in solicitation cases and other criminal charges.

With a track record of success in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, he offers personalized, aggressive defense to protect your rights and your future.

Don’t wait. Call Helfend Law Group today for a free consultation – 800-834-6434.

Published January 17, 2025.