Dallas Prostitution & Solicitation Defense Lawyer
Facing Prostitution Allegations in Texas?
Classified as a crime of public indecency, prostitution is viewed negatively throughout the general public law enforcement community. Specialized sex crime units focus extensive resources on stamping out prostitution in their communities and work zealously to arrest, prosecute, and convict those who stand accused.
Whether you have been charged with solicitation or promotion of prostitution, you need to take steps toward protecting yourself from harsh criminal penalties and an unsavory criminal record. At the Mathur Law Offices, P.C., our Dallas sex crime defense attorneys represent clients facing all prostitution charges.
Types of Prostitution Charges in Texas
Prostitution
Under § 43.02 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits prostitution
when they agree or solicit sexual conduct in exchange for a fee. A standard
prostitution charge is a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by a
fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days imprisonment, or both. Charges and
penalties will also be elevated if certain aggravating circumstances are
involved, including prior convictions. If the person solicited is a minor,
then charges will be elevated to a felony.
Promotion of Prostitution & Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
In line with national efforts to stamp out prostitution by targeting those
who profit from the unlawful activity, Texas enforces harsh penalties
for those accused of promoting prostitution. Anyone who profits from a
prostitution transaction or who solicits others to engage in prostitution
will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include fines up
to $4,000, up to one year in jail, or both. When a person is found to
be involved in an enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes, aggravated
promotion of prostitution, a third-degree felony, will be charged.
Compelling Prostitution
Compelling prostitution is an elevated charge that involves causing another
to commit prostitution by force, threat, or fraud, or when a minor under
the age of 18 in involved. A second-degree felony, compelling prostitution
is punishable by a term of imprisonment from 2 to 20 years and up to $10,000
in fines. Anyone facing this charge needs legal representation.
Potential Defenses to Prostitution or Solicitation Charges
If you are facing criminal accusations of prostitution or solicitation in Texas, our defense attorneys can help you craft a strong defense to combat these charges. Some of the potential defenses for prostitution charges can involve arguments of:
- Entrapment Defense: Police officers cannot use tactics to encourage or urge you to commit the act. If you were caught soliciting through an undercover operation involving a sting or repeated attempts to contact you, you may be able to use the entrapment defense.
- No monetary exchange: If there is no evidence showing there was an exchange of money for sexual acts, it would be difficult for prosecutors to convict you of solicitation. We could argue the act in question was consensual sex between to individuals.
We can review your unique situation to help determine the best possible defense for you.
Enlist the Services of Proven Dallas Defense Attorneys!
No matter which prostitution charge you or your loved one may be facing, retaining representation is vital to ensuring that you do not suffer the most crippling penalties. At the Mathur Law Offices, P.C., our decades of criminal defense experience have prepared us to successfully handle all prostitution charges. By requesting a case evaluation, you can learn more about the charges you face, the potential penalties at stake, and how our legal team can fight to protect your rights and future. Do not wait until it is too late.
Contact a Dallas prostitution defense lawyer from the Mathur Law Offices, P.C. as soon as possible.