Prostitution and solicitation crimes in the state of Texas can be classified as a misdemeanor charges, but in certain circumstances, they can lead to felony convictions. Sometimes, prostitution is anonymously reported to the police, but in other circumstances, charges are a direct result of a sting operation. Prostitution and solicitation are typically enforced through undercover operations conducted by law enforcement officials. During these investigations, undercover officers will infiltrate massage parlors, clubs, venues, and other places where adults congregate.
Once you are charged with this crime, the prosecuting attorney will have the burden of proof. To convict you, they will have to be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of what you have been accused of. If they are able to do this, you can face steep fines, lengthy jail sentences, and potential sex offender registration. If you are trying to avoid these extreme consequences, it is imperative you hire a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.
Prostitution / Solicitation Defense Lawyer | Ft Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Southlake, TX
From the moment your charges are filed, the prosecutors and investigators associated with your criminal case will begin their investigations. They may interview possible witnesses, review security camera footage, and seize your electronic records in an attempt to find any sort of information they can use to put you behind bars. While this is happening, it is important to make sure you have a criminal defense lawyer who is working with you to develop a quality legal defense that can withstand the attacks from the prosecution.
Serving McKinney, Garland, Frisco, Plano, and other surrounding areas of Tarrant County, The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy specialize in criminal defense. Led by experienced defense attorney Richard C. McConathy, our law firm has helped countless Texans beat or reduce their charges related to sex crimes. If you have been accused of promoting or soliciting prostitution, it is time to build your defense and hire a defense attorney. Call our office today at (817) 422-5350 to receive a consultation and speak with a legal expert.
Definition of Prostitution
According to Texas Penal Code § 43.02, individuals are guilty of prostitution if they are found knowingly soliciting another individual (while in public) to engage in sexual conduct for hire, or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another individual in exchange for money.
Chapter 43 of the Texas Penal Code also defines the promotion of prostitution as an offense that takes place when an individual receives money or other property in exchange for participating in the proceeds of prostitution, or when they solicit an individual to engage in sexual conduct with another individual in exchange for monetary gain.
Aggravated promotion of prostitution is a crime that takes place when an offender knowingly owns, manages, controls, invests in, or supervises an enterprise that is using or employing two or more prostitutes. If an individual is knowingly causing a person to engage in prostitution due to threats, force, violence, or fraud, they can be charged with compelling prostitution. This charge is also applicable if an individual is found causing an individual under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution.
Consequences for Prostitution Charges
Individuals who have been found guilty of a first-time basic prostitution offense will typically face minor consequences. If convicted of this crime under these circumstances, individuals can expect to serve a jail sentence that may not exceed 180 days, and pay a fine that could be as expensive as $2,000. Individuals who are found guilty of promotion of prostitution can face Class A misdemeanor charges. If convicted of this criminal charge, individuals can expect to pay a fine that cannot exceed $4,000 and serve a jail sentence that could be as long as one year.
Repeat offenders will face greater consequences if they are convicted of multiple prostitution charges. If an individual has three or more previous prostitution offense convictions, they can expect to pay fines up to $10,000 and spend 180 days to 2 years behind bars.
Offenders who are found guilty of committing prostitution-related crimes involving children will face extreme consequences for their actions. If an individual is found guilty of aggravated promotion of prostitution of a child between the ages of 14 and 17, their charges will be classified as a third-degree felony. This can lead to consequences including a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Solicitation of a child under the age of 14 is classified as a second-degree felony, which can cause consequences including a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a maximum fine of $10,000. Lastly, compelling prostitution of a child under the age of 18 can lead to a first-degree felony conviction, which can cause life imprisonment in addition to a maximum fine of $10,000.
To be charged with prostitution, an individual must be accused of or found soliciting another person in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire, or engage in sexual conduct in exchange for money.
Resources Related to Prostitution of Tarrant County, Texas
Child Sex Trafficking in Texas: What’s Changed – Child sex trafficking and prostitution continue to be major problems that plague the communities of Texas. This link takes you to an article published via the Texas Tribune. You can learn more about the efforts Texas lawmakers have taken to end this problem, and the many other factors that have contributed to this growing issue.
Human Trafficking in Texas – This link takes you to a report that was published through the United States Commission on Civil Rights. In this report, you will be able to find information regarding the definition of sex trafficking, the economic effect of this crime, and the steps lawmakers can take to end this problem.
Human Trafficking Fact Sheet – Though you may know the definition of human trafficking, you may be unaware of the impact this has on its victims and society as a whole. In this article, the Texas Center for Public Policy provides a fact sheet in an attempt to help readers fully understand the negative effect human trafficking is currently having on our communities.
Find A Tarrant County Defense Attorney for Prostitution / Solicitation | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Being accused of promoting or soliciting prostitution is a crime that can and will follow you for years. Having this type of offense on your criminal record will place a serious damper on your reputation, and in addition to causing extreme embarrassment amongst your friends and family, it can also stop you from experiencing your ideal employment and educational opportunities. If you are ever charged with or accused of this crime, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy are well-equipped in criminal defense, and we know what it takes to help individuals overcome their charges and accusations. For more information on how we can be of assistance, contact us today at 817-422-5350 to set up a free consultation with a legal expert on our team.