What is Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution in Texas?
Aggravated promotion of prostitution is a criminal offense in Texas, involving the management, supervision, or control of two or more individuals engaging in prostitution. The crime is governed by Texas Penal Code § 43.04 and carries severe penalties for those convicted.
Texas lawmakers increased the punishment for the offense in 2019, making all aggravated promotion of prostitution charges first-degree felonies.
Aggravated promotion of prostitution is distinct from the offense of promotion of prostitution. While the latter involves the facilitation of one person engaging in prostitution, the aggravated form of the crime involves overseeing, managing, or controlling the prostitution of two or more individuals.
If you or a family member is being investigated for aggravated promotion of prostitution, it’s essential to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible.
Varghese Summersett sex crimes defense attorneys are Board Certified and former prosecutors, and they will protect your rights.
In this post, we’ll explain aggravated promotion of prostitution, the punishment for conviction, and explain how the penalties have changed in recent years.
What does Texas consider aggravated promotion of prostitution?
According to Texas Penal Code § 43.04, a person commits aggravated promotion of prostitution if they “knowingly” manage, own, supervise, control, or finance a prostitution business or enterprise.
Aggravated promotion of prostitution is a separate charge from promotion of prostitution, not just an enhanced version of the charge.
A “prostitution enterprise,” as described in Texas law, is a venture, design, or plan in which at least two people agree to, then offer, or engage in the provision of sexual favors for compensation.
A thorough aggravated promotion of prostitution lawyer will review the state’s case for inaccuracies and insufficient proof.
A person can be accused of aggravated promotion of prostitution if they knowingly:
- Engage at least two prostitutes in the prostitution enterprise
- Controls, supervises, finances, manages, owns, or invests in a prostitution business or enterprise
What is the difference between promotion of prostitution and aggravated promotion of prostitution in Texas?
The main difference between promotion of prostitution and aggravated promotion of prostitution is the number of prostitutes involved in the enterprise.
The aggravated offense is charged when there are at least two or more prostitutes working in the same enterprise.
Additionally, aggravated promotion of prostitution is aimed at the offender’s active participation in the prostitutes’ activity.
If you or a family member is under investigation, don’t delay. Contact a promotion of prostitution lawyer now to protect your rights and give yourself a chance at the best possible outcome.
What is the punishment for Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution?
Aggravated promotion of prostitution offenses occurring since Sept. 1, 2019, are charged as first-degree felonies. First-degree felony convictions carry five to 99 years to life and up to a $10,000 fine.
Our promotion of prostitution lawyer will explain the extent of your legal exposure.
Offenses occurring before Sept. 1, 2017, are charged as third-degree felonies, with a maximum 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Offenses occurring since September 2017 are charged as second-degree felonies.
Aggravated promotion of prostitution can also be punished as a first-degree felony if the victim is under 18. It doesn’t matter if the defendant knew the age of the minor or was given a false age.
Each of these charges could cost your freedom. Consult with a Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
How did Texas law on aggravated promotion of prostitution change in 2019?
On Sept. 1, 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature added aggravated promotion of prostitution to the list of “reportable” offenses. This means convictions or deferred pleas require registration as a sex offender.
The same bill also increased the penalties for aggravated promotion of prostitution. The stakes are high and require a skilled promotion of prostitution lawyer working on your behalf.
A defendant could possibly be charged with “simple” prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, or potentially compelling prostitution if the state alleges the use of force or the prostitute was underage.
Recent aggravated promotion of prostitution cases in Texas
- In September 2022, a 41-year-old woman was arrested for aggravated promotion of prostitution for her role in an alleged brothel being run out of a rental property in Plano.
- In September 2018, a 39-year-old Fort Worth man was charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution for his part in an alleged sex trafficking ring.
Are you facing aggravated promotion of prostitution in Fort Worth?
If you or a loved one is facing an aggravated promotion of prostitution charge, consult with an experienced Fort Worth aggravated promotion of prostitution lawyer as soon as possible.
The defense firm at Varghese Summersett has decades of experience fighting sex crimes.
For a free consultation on your case, call us at 817-203-2220.
