Any crimes involving prostitution, be it solicitation of prostitution, promoting prostitution, or compelling prostitution are very serious charges and since law BH1540 entered into force in 2021, all of these crimes are classified as felonies. That means that all of these offenses can be punished by imprisonment and fines. On top of that, as all types of prostitution are considered sex-related crimes, the offender must register as a sex offender.
With all of the consequences in mind, it is natural to feel overwhelmed if you are accused of any crime related to prostitution. However, this is not the time to freeze, sit, and wait to see what fate has in store. You need a solicitation and prostitution defense attorney who knows how to beat a solicitation charge in Texas while fighting to keep your reputation intact.
At M|C Criminal Law, we have over 30 years of combined criminal law experience as former high-level prosecutors and defense attorneys – we have the resources, skill, and diligence to represent and defend individuals facing prostitution charges. Our trusted team will fight vigorously to defend your legal rights, refute the charges against you with factual evidence, and help keep your record as clean as possible.
Every minute you are not actively fighting the charges is a minute during which your name is being damaged. Contact us today and let us start working on a defense immediatelly.
In Texas, there are three offenses related to prostitution. The first one is solicitation of prostitution, which is defined in Texas Penal Code §43.02. This code states that:
“(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly offers or agrees to receive a fee from another to engage in sexual conduct.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.”
Pursuant to this code, a person does not need to engage in sexual activity to be convicted of prostitution. The mere act of offering or agreeing to pay or receive a fee for a sex act is enough to be convicted of prostitution. There are two other offenses relating to prostitution.
The promotion of prostitution is defined in Tex. Penal Code §43.03 as the act of knowingly receiving money or other property to participate in the proceeds of prostitution or soliciting another person to engage in sexual acts with a third person for compensation. A person charged with the promotion of prostitution does not participate in the sexual acts, only enables them.
An aggravated form of this crime is found Tex. Penal Code §43.04 and involves the promotion of prostitution where the offender manages two or more prostitutes. Solicitation and promotion of prostitution also encompass acts that were committed online. The third offense relating to prostitution is termed compelling prostitution and can be found in Tex. Penal Code §43.05.
A person can be charged with compelling prostitution if they knowingly cause another person to commit the act of prostitution by way of threat, force, fraud, or coersion or cause a person under the age of 18 to comit prostituion, regardless of whether they were aware of their age or not.
Texas has some of the most stringent laws related to prostitution in the entire country. All prostitution-related crimes are classified as felonies. Depending on the nature of the offense, the criminal record of the offender, and the age of the persons involved, prostitution crimes can be charged as state jail felonies, with a punishement of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $4,000, all the way to first-degree felonies, which carry a potential punishment of between 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition to imprisonment and fines, a convicted person will need to register as a sex offender and may lose their right to bear arms and vote in elections. They could also be ineligible to obtain certain loans, government benefits and assistance, be barred from participating in specific occupations, as well as likely having trouble finding any type of meaningful employment or housing. And all of this is without mentioning the effects that this type of conviction can have on a person’s reputation.
Given the consequences, it is clear that you need the best prostitution defense attorney if you are ever accused of any of these crimes.
The first step is always to retain the services of an experienced prostitution lawyer.
The prosecution needs to prove all the elements of a case beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction – we can cast doubt. Whether it is by disputing the evidence, targeting the credibility of witnesses, demonstrating a lack of knowledge or intent on your part, claiming entrapment, or presenting another viable defense, there is always something a good prostitution defense lawyer can do.
At M|C Criminal Law, we are committed to offering personalized legal guidance and aggressive representation to clients in their criminal cases. As your legal counsel, we will investigate your case thoroughly and craft an effective defense strategy to fight your charges. With our extensive trial experience, we can help you navigate the Texas criminal justice system, represent you in every phase of the court proceedings, and make sure you get fair treatment.
If you’re facing prostitution charges, don’t risk your future and face them alone. Contact M|C Criminal Law today to schedule a simple case evaluation and let us discuss the best way to defend you.
