Collin County Prostitution Lawyer Solicitation Defense
Prostitution may be the world’s oldest profession, but it’s still a crime in Texas for everyone involved. In fact, people who solicit sex – the customers or so-called “Johns” – now face a felony charge, while the prostitutes themselves face a misdemeanor.
Local law enforcement frequently conducts online and undercover sting operations to specifically target “Johns” – and they love to publicize these arrests. If you or a loved one has been arrested for any prostitution charge, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Collin County prostitution lawyer. Any prostitution conviction can result in jail time, a fine, and an embarrassing criminal record.
Collin County Prostitution Lawyer Serving Plano, Allen, Frisco, Prosper and Surrounding Areas
In this blog post, our attorneys will discuss the law, the penalties, and possible defenses for prostitution charges. But first, please watch this video by Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer Benson Varghese, who discusses solicitation of prostitution charges and how it became Texas’ newest felony.
What are Texas’ laws against prostitution?
The law distinguishes between the person who offers sex for money (prostitute); the customer seeking or soliciting the services of a prostitute (john); and the person who manages or engages in the promotion of prostitution (pimp or madam). A Collin County prostitution lawyer at our law firm breaks down each offense below.
Prostitution
What constitutes prostitution in Texas?
In Texas, prostitution is defined as knowingly offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. It’s important to emphasize that the law doesn’t require that the parties engage in sex, only that they agree to do so. This is why undercover online stings net so many arrests. Once an agreement for sex occurs, they move in with an arrest.
What are the penalties for prostitution in Texas?
Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in the county jail and a maximum $2000 fine. If you have a previous conviction for prostitution, the penalty is increased to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine.
Solicitation of Prostitution
What constitutes a solicitation of prostitution in Texas?
In Texas, solicitation of prostitution is defined as knowingly offering or agreeing to pay another individual to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. Again, no sex is required – only an agreement has to be made. This is why prostitution stings are popular with law enforcement.
What are the penalties for solicitation of prostitution in Texas?
Solicitation of prostitution was recently increased from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony punishable by six months to two years in a state jail facility and a maximum $10,000 fine. Defendants with a prior conviction for solicitation face a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,00 fine. Defendants who solicit someone under 18 – or whom they believe to be under 18 – face a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
Promotion of Prostitution
What is the promotion of prostitution in Texas?
In Texas, the promotion of prostitution is defined as knowingly receiving money or property in an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution or soliciting another to engage in sexual conduct with a third party for compensation.
What are the penalties for the promotion of prostitution in Texas?
Promotion of prostitution is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. The charge is bumped up to a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine, if the person being promoted is younger than 18 (whether the defendant knew it or not).
If the enterprise involves two or more prostitutes, it is considered “aggravated promotion of prostitution.” Aggravated promotion of prostitution is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
Online promotion of prostitution
What is online promotion of prostitution?
Online promotion of prostitution is defined as owning, managing or operating an interactive computer service or information content provider with the intent to promote the prostitution oor facilitate another person to engage in prostitution or solicitation of prostitution.
This offense was created in response to people using the Internet to solicit prostitution.
What are the penalties for online promotion of prostitution?
Online promotion of prostitution is a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. The penalty is bumped to a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison if the defendant has previously been convicted of this offense or if the person being promoted is under age 18.
If the online enterprise involves at least five people, it is considered “aggravated online promotion of prostitution” Aggravated online promotion of prostitution is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. However, it can be bumped to a first-degree felony if the defendant has previously been convicted of this offense or if the person being promoted is under 18. A first-degree felony is punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
Compelling Prostitution
What is compelling prostitution?
Compelling prostitution is defined as causing another to commit prostitution by force, threat, or coercion for fraud – or causing someone under 18 to commit prostitution. This offense is commonly referred to as sex trafficking.
What is the punishment for compelling prostitution?
Compelling prostitution is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and a maximum $10,000 fine.
What are some defenses to prostitution charges in Collin County?
To be convicted of a prostitution charge, prosecutors must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced Collin County prostitution lawyer at our firm will listen to the facts and circumstances of your case to determine what defenses may be available to you. Some possible defenses include:
- There is insufficient evidence to prove the charges against you
- The sex act was not going to occur for a fee
- Lack of knowledge that the person was a prostitute
- Your constitutional rights were violated
- You were entrapped by law enforcement during a sting operation
- The police engaged in illegal search and seizure
- You were falsely accused
- You were under duress
Each case is unique, so it is important to discuss your specific case with an experienced Collin County prostitution lawyer.
Talk to a Collin County prostitution lawyer today.
If you have been charged with prostitution or another related offense, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Collin County prostitution lawyer. We will handle your case with the utmost discretion and work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome. The law firm of Varghese Summersett has helped dozens of people in your situation, and we can help you with that, too. Call (214) 903-4000.
