Dallas Prostitution Lawyer [2026 Update]

A Dallas prostitution lawyer can help you fight charges that carry jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. In Texas, solicitation of prostitution is now a felony, even for first-time offenders. If you’ve been arrested, you need an experienced defense attorney who understands how these cases are investigated and prosecuted in Dallas County.

At Varghese Summersett, we’ve defended hundreds of people accused of sex crimes. Our team includes board-certified criminal defense lawyers with decades of experience handling prostitution, solicitation, and promotion cases. We know how police build these cases through online stings and undercover operations. More importantly, we know how to challenge the evidence and fight for the best possible outcome.

We have had numerous prostitution charges reduced, dismissed, and no-billed. Varghese Summersett is the team you want to have on your side.

What are the laws against prostitution in Texas?

Texas law distinguishes between three types of prostitution offenses: the person offering sex for money (the prostitute), the person paying for sex (the “john”), and the person managing or promoting prostitution (the pimp or madam). Each carries different penalties under the Texas Penal Code Chapter 43.

What is prostitution under Texas Penal Code 43.02?

Under Texas Penal Code 43.02, a person commits prostitution by knowingly offering or agreeing to receive money for sexual conduct. The law does not require that sex actually occurs. Simply agreeing to the exchange is enough for an arrest.

Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. With a prior conviction, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Three or more prior convictions elevate the charge to a state jail felony.

What is solicitation of prostitution in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code 43.021, a person commits solicitation of prostitution by knowingly offering or agreeing to pay someone for sexual conduct. This law targets buyers, not sellers. In 2021, Texas became the first state to make solicitation a felony for all offenders.

Punishment for solicitation:

• First offense: State jail felony with 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 fine
• Prior conviction: Third-degree felony with 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine
• Involving a minor (or believed minor): Second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine

This shift in the law means that people caught in online prostitution stings now face felony charges that can permanently alter their lives. If you’ve been arrested, talk to a Dallas prostitution lawyer before speaking to police.

Watch: Prostitution vs. Solicitation Explained

Dallas prostitution lawyer Benson Varghese, a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer, explains the difference between prostitution and solicitation under Texas law.

What is promotion of prostitution?

Under Texas Penal Code 43.03, a person commits promotion of prostitution by receiving money from prostitution proceeds or soliciting someone to engage in sexual conduct with a third party for pay. This law targets pimps and madams.

Promotion of prostitution is a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine. If the person being promoted is younger than 18, the charge becomes a second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years in prison, regardless of whether the defendant knew the person’s age.

When the operation involves two or more prostitutes, the charge becomes aggravated promotion of prostitution, a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison.

What is online promotion of prostitution?

Under Texas Penal Code 43.031, a person commits online promotion of prostitution by owning, managing, or operating an interactive computer service with the intent to promote prostitution or facilitate solicitation. This law was passed in 2019 in response to websites like Backpage.com.

Online promotion of prostitution is a third-degree felony. The charge increases to a second-degree felony with a prior conviction or if the person promoted is under 18.

When the online enterprise involves five or more people, the offense becomes aggravated online promotion of prostitution. This is a second-degree felony that can increase to a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years) with prior convictions or if minors are involved.

How common are prostitution stings in Dallas?

Prostitution stings in Dallas are extremely common and have intensified in recent years. The Dallas Police Department’s Special Investigations Division, along with federal partners like Homeland Security Investigations, conduct regular multi-day operations that sweep up dozens of people at a time. Many of those arrested are first-time offenders with no prior criminal history who now face felony charges.

Here are some recent examples of Dallas-area prostitution stings:

• Northwest Dallas prostitution sting (March 2024): Dallas Police conducted an undercover operation in Northwest Dallas after complaints from local businesses. The sting resulted in 30 arrests for solicitation of prostitution. Police also seized guns, drugs, vehicles, and more than $70,000 in cash.
• Dallas short-term rental sting (January 2023): Police ran an undercover operation targeting online sex buyers at a short-term rental property. The operation resulted in 23 men being arrested for state jail felony solicitation. Those arrested ranged in age from 27 to 70.
• Listcrawler and online stings (ongoing): The Dallas Police Department’s Special Investigations Division and prostitution task forces regularly conduct multi-day online stings using sites like Listcrawler. These operations have led to dozens of arrests in 2023 through 2025, often with guns, drugs, and cash seized.
• Chicas Bonitas Cabaret raid (September 2025): Homeland Security Investigations Dallas, working with Dallas Police and other agencies, executed a raid at Chicas Bonitas Cabaret on Harry Hines Boulevard. The operation detained 41 undocumented workers and seized approximately $30,000 as part of a broader investigation into suspected sex trafficking and prostitution.
• North Texas trafficking task force sweeps (2024-2025): Homeland Security Investigations Dallas and the North Texas Trafficking Task Force have conducted large multi-city operations across the DFW metroplex. Some of these sweeps have resulted in more than 100 arrests for prostitution, solicitation, and related trafficking offenses.

These operations often target people who believe they’re meeting a consenting adult for a private encounter. Instead, they’re met by police officers who arrest them on felony charges. The arrests are frequently publicized, adding public embarrassment to the legal consequences. If you’ve been caught up in one of these stings, contact a Dallas prostitution lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

What is compelling prostitution in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code 43.05, a person commits compelling prostitution by using force, threat, coercion, or fraud to cause someone to engage in prostitution, or by causing a child under 18 to engage in prostitution. This is also known as sex trafficking.

Compelling prostitution is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine. These cases are prosecuted aggressively and often involve federal agencies.

What are typical bond amounts for prostitution charges in Dallas County?

Bond amounts in Dallas County vary based on the specific charge and the defendant’s criminal history. Based on recent Dallas County bond data, here are typical amounts:

• Prostitution (first offense): Most common bond is $500, with an average around $1,200
• Prostitution with prior convictions: Most common bond ranges from $1,000 to $1,500
• Promotion of prostitution: Most common bond is $100,000, with averages around $78,000
• Aggravated promotion of prostitution: Most common bond is $100,000, with averages exceeding $100,000
• Compelling prostitution: Most common bond is $100,000, with averages around $150,000

If you or a loved one needs help posting bond, our team can connect you with a bondsman and begin working on your defense immediately. Call us at 214-903-4000 to get started.

What are possible defenses to prostitution charges in Dallas?

The prosecution must prove every element of a prostitution or solicitation charge beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced Dallas prostitution lawyer will examine the evidence and identify weaknesses in the state’s case. Common defenses include:

• No agreement: The prosecution must prove you agreed to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. Vague or ambiguous conversations may not establish this element.
• Entrapment: If undercover officers induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed, entrapment may apply.
• No intent: You must have knowingly agreed to pay or receive money for sex. Misunderstandings or lack of awareness can negate intent.
• Constitutional violations: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the investigation, evidence may be suppressed.
• Mistaken identity: In online sting operations, proving who was actually communicating can be challenging for prosecutors.
• Duress: If you were forced to participate in prostitution under threat of harm, this may be a valid defense.

Our defense team has secured dismissals, charge reductions, and acquittals in sex crime cases across Texas. We understand what’s at stake and will fight to protect your future.

How do police make prostitution arrests in Dallas?

Dallas police use several methods to investigate and arrest people for prostitution offenses:

Online stings: Officers pose as prostitutes or clients on websites and apps, then arrest people who agree to meet for paid sex. These operations have become increasingly common and result in dozens of arrests at a time.

Undercover operations: Officers work undercover at locations known for prostitution, including certain massage parlors, strip clubs, and street corners.

Hotel stings: Police monitor hotels and respond to tips about possible prostitution activity. They may use informants or conduct surveillance.

These investigations often involve recording devices, text message evidence, and witness testimony. A skilled defense lawyer knows how to challenge each type of evidence and hold police accountable for any misconduct.

What are the consequences of a prostitution conviction?

Beyond jail time and fines, a prostitution conviction carries lasting consequences:

• Criminal record: A conviction will appear on background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing
• Employment difficulties: Many employers will not hire someone with a prostitution-related conviction
• Immigration consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of visa renewal
• Professional license issues: Healthcare workers, teachers, and others with professional licenses may face disciplinary action
• Family law impact: A conviction can affect child custody and visitation decisions
• Social stigma: The embarrassment and shame associated with these charges can damage personal relationships

These consequences make it essential to fight the charges with an experienced attorney. Don’t assume the evidence against you is insurmountable. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prostitution Charges in Dallas

Is solicitation of prostitution a felony in Texas?

Yes. Since September 2021, solicitation of prostitution is a state jail felony for first-time offenders, carrying 180 days to 2 years in state jail. Prior convictions or involving a minor increases the charge to a third-degree or second-degree felony.

Can prostitution charges be dismissed?

Yes. Prostitution charges can be dismissed if the defense identifies constitutional violations, entrapment, insufficient evidence, or other weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and fight for dismissal.

Will a prostitution arrest show up on a background check?

Arrests may appear on background checks even without a conviction. If charges are dismissed, you may be eligible for expunction or nondisclosure to seal the record from public view.

What should I do if I’m arrested for solicitation?

Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions or make statements to police without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.

Do I have to register as a sex offender for prostitution?

Simple prostitution and solicitation convictions do not require sex offender registration in Texas. However, offenses involving minors or compelling prostitution may require registration.

Speak to a Dallas prostitution lawyer today.

A prostitution or solicitation charge can follow you for the rest of your life. At Varghese Summersett, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and treat every client with discretion and respect. Our team has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions across all criminal offense types.

With 70+ team members and four Texas offices, we have the resources to take on complex cases and fight for the best possible outcome. Call 214-903-4000 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Dallas prostitution lawyer. Your call is confidential.