PC 647(b) misdemeanor

Clearing a solicitation or prostitution conviction

This is the conviction people most often carry in silence, and it is also one where California has created a stronger remedy than the ordinary dismissal for people who were coerced.

What makes this charge different

• California has a specific vacatur remedy for convictions arising from human trafficking, which goes further than a dismissal
• There is also a relief statute for trafficking victims that sits outside the ordinary dismissal framework
• The statement descriptor on any payment we take is deliberately generic, which matters more on this charge than most

What this charge is

Penal Code 647(b) covers soliciting or engaging in prostitution. It is a misdemeanour, and it is one of the convictions that does the most social damage relative to its legal seriousness.

Felony or misdemeanour?

It is a misdemeanour.

Which relief applies

The ordinary route is a dismissal under 1203.4 after probation, or 1203.4a where none was granted. These petitions are usually straightforward.

The thing to watch out for

If the conduct happened because you were being trafficked or coerced, California law provides a stronger remedy than a dismissal: a motion to vacate the conviction, on the basis that it arose from your status as a victim. That is a different and better outcome, and it is worth saying so rather than selling the cheaper petition. If any part of that describes you, tell us and we will look at it properly.

The law that applies

• Expungement (PC 1203.4) — The court lets you withdraw your plea or sets aside the verdict, then dismisses the case, which releases you from most of the penalties of the conviction.
• Dismissal without probation (PC 1203.4a) — It gives the same dismissal as section 1203.4, for misdemeanour and infraction convictions where the court never granted probation.

Our flat fee for a case like this is $599, all in, with the court filing fee included. What that covers.

Legal information on this page was last checked against primary sources in October 2026. California law changes; if you are reading this long after that date, confirm before you rely on it.