Denton County Prostitution Lawyer | Solicitation Defense

If you’ve been arrested for prostitution in Denton County, you’re facing a criminal charge that can follow you for years, affecting your job, housing, and reputation. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office has made prostitution enforcement a priority, conducting multiple “Prostitution Demand Suppression Operations” each year that have resulted in more than 63 arrests over the past three years alone.

The good news is that prostitution charges are often defensible, and with the right criminal defense lawyer, many cases end in dismissal, reduced charges, or deferred adjudication that keeps a conviction off your record. Our criminal defense team at Varghese Summersett has secured multiple dismissals in prostitution cases throughout Texas. We understand that an arrest is not a conviction, and we fight aggressively to protect your future.

Why Clients Trust Varghese Summersett With Prostitution Defense

When you’re facing a charge as sensitive as prostitution, you need attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the personal stakes involved. Our criminal defense team brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case, with multiple attorneys Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This certification is held by fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys who practice criminal law.

Across our Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake offices, our team has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions in criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors who know how the other side builds these cases and where the weaknesses lie. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible result for every client.

Prostitution Sting Operations in Denton County

Denton County has become one of the more aggressive jurisdictions in North Texas when it comes to prostitution enforcement. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) conducts “Prostitution Demand Suppression Operations” multiple times per year, often in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, Texas Department of Public Safety, and neighboring sheriff’s offices including Tarrant County.

These operations typically involve law enforcement creating fake online advertisements and then arresting individuals who respond and agree to pay for sexual services. The numbers tell the story of just how active Denton County has been:

• March 2023: 17 arrests in a joint multi-agency operation
• December 2023: 11 arrests in a two-day human trafficking operation
• June 2024: 14 arrests in a demand suppression operation
• August 2024: 18 arrests in another demand suppression sting
• May 2025: 3 arrests, including 1 for online solicitation of a minor

In total, at least 63 people have been arrested in documented Denton County sting operations over approximately three years. These operations have netted residents from throughout the DFW metroplex, including Denton, Argyle, Lantana, Highland Village, and surrounding communities.

The DCSO Human Trafficking Unit also pursues individual cases outside of large-scale stings, particularly those involving allegations of online solicitation of a minor. These cases carry dramatically more serious consequences, including second-degree felony charges.

If you’ve been caught up in one of these operations, you need an attorney who understands exactly how these stings work and where the legal vulnerabilities lie. Talk to a lawyer before you speak to police.

What Is Prostitution Under Texas Law?

Under Texas Penal Code § 43.02, a person commits prostitution if they knowingly offer or agree to receive a fee from another to engage in sexual conduct, or if they offer or agree to pay a fee to another person to engage in sexual conduct. “Sexual conduct” includes sexual contact, intercourse, and other specified acts defined by the statute.

This means Texas law criminalizes both selling and buying sexual services. However, the specific charge and penalties differ depending on which side of the transaction you’re on. Someone who solicits prostitution (the buyer) faces charges under Texas Penal Code § 43.021, which carries different penalties than the offense of prostitution itself.

What the Prosecution Must Prove

To convict you of prostitution, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly offered or agreed to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. This requires evidence of your mental state (that you knew what you were doing) and evidence of an actual agreement or offer, not just suspicious circumstances.

In Denton County’s sting operations, evidence typically comes from text messages, online communications, and recorded conversations with undercover officers. While prosecutors view this evidence as strong, experienced defense attorneys know these communications can be subject to interpretation, and the circumstances of the “agreement” can sometimes support viable defenses.

Penalties for Prostitution in Texas

The penalties for prostitution in Texas depend on your criminal history. Texas treats repeat prostitution offenses with increasing severity.

A first or second offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in county jail, a fine up to $2,000, or both. A third offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. If you have three or more prior convictions, a subsequent prostitution charge is elevated to a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.

Beyond jail time and fines, a prostitution conviction carries collateral consequences that can be just as damaging. You may face difficulty finding employment, especially in jobs that require background checks. Professional licenses can be revoked or denied. Housing applications may be rejected. Immigration consequences can include deportation for non-citizens.

Bond Amounts for Prostitution in Denton County

If you’ve been arrested for prostitution in Denton County, one of your first concerns is likely getting out of jail. Based on our analysis of Denton County bond data covering nearly 13,000 bonds set in 2025, the most common bond for prostitution charges under Texas Penal Code § 43.02 is $1,500, with bonds averaging around $3,250.

Related charges carry significantly higher bonds. Promotion of prostitution under Texas Penal Code § 43.03 typically sees bonds around $5,000, with averages near $27,500. Aggravated promotion of prostitution under Texas Penal Code § 43.04 commonly results in bonds of $100,000 or more. If the allegations involve a minor under 18, charges under Texas Penal Code § 43.05 can result in bonds exceeding $150,000.

Bond amounts can vary based on factors including your criminal history, ties to the community, employment status, and whether the court views you as a flight risk. An experienced Denton County criminal defense attorney can sometimes negotiate lower bond amounts or argue for personal recognizance release.

Common Defenses in Prostitution Cases

Prostitution charges are not automatic convictions. Several defenses may apply to your case depending on the circumstances of your arrest.

Lack of Intent or Agreement

The prosecution must prove you knowingly offered or agreed to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. If the conversation was ambiguous, misunderstood, or the “agreement” never actually occurred, this element may not be satisfied. In sting operations, undercover officers sometimes use leading language or make assumptions about intent that don’t hold up under scrutiny.

Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed. Given the aggressive nature of Denton County’s demand suppression operations, entrapment can be a viable defense in certain cases. If an undercover officer pressured, persuaded, or manipulated you into making an agreement you wouldn’t have made on your own, entrapment may apply. Texas law focuses on whether the defendant was predisposed to commit the offense before police involvement.

Constitutional Violations

If police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, evidence may be suppressed. This includes unlawful searches, seizures without probable cause, or Miranda violations if you were interrogated without being advised of your rights.

Insufficient Evidence

Prosecutors bear the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence consists primarily of uncorroborated statements, disputed recordings, or circumstances that could have innocent explanations, we challenge whether the state has met its burden.

Case Example: Prostitution Charges Dismissed

In one case handled by our team, a client faced prostitution charges that could have resulted in jail time and a permanent criminal record. After investigating the circumstances of the arrest and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, we were able to secure a complete dismissal of the charges. The client walked away without a conviction, protecting their employment and future opportunities.

We have handled multiple prostitution cases that resulted in dismissals or favorable outcomes through deferred adjudication programs. Every case is different, but our approach remains the same: thorough investigation, aggressive defense, and relentless advocacy for our clients.

What to Do After a Prostitution Arrest in Denton County

The steps you take immediately after an arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what you should do.

First, exercise your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about the alleged offense. Politely decline to discuss the case and ask for an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Second, do not discuss the case on social media, with friends, or with family members. These conversations could be used as evidence or lead to witnesses being subpoenaed.

Third, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and potentially prevent formal charges from being filed.

Fourth, preserve any evidence that might support your defense. This includes screenshots of communications (if you have access to them), the names of anyone who witnessed the arrest, and documentation of your whereabouts or activities.

The Criminal Court Process in Denton County

Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety as your case moves through the Denton County court system.

After your arrest, you’ll be taken to the Denton County Jail for booking and processing. A magistrate will set your bond, typically within 24 to 48 hours. Once you post bond or are released, your case will be assigned to a criminal court.

Misdemeanor prostitution cases are heard in Denton County’s criminal county courts at law. If your case has been enhanced to a felony due to prior convictions, it will be handled in a Denton County district court.

At your arraignment, you’ll enter a plea. We typically advise clients to plead not guilty initially, preserving all defense options while we investigate the case and review the evidence.

During the pretrial phase, we file motions to suppress evidence, challenge probable cause, and negotiate with prosecutors. Many cases are resolved during this phase through dismissals, reduced charges, or deferred adjudication probation that can keep a conviction off your record.

If the case cannot be resolved favorably through negotiation, we are prepared to take it to trial. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are not afraid to fight for you before a judge or jury.

Related Offenses and Enhanced Charges

Prostitution cases in Texas sometimes involve related charges that carry far more serious consequences. Understanding these distinctions is critical, especially given Denton County’s focus on human trafficking enforcement.

Solicitation of prostitution under Texas Penal Code § 43.021 applies to the buyer rather than the seller. This is the charge most commonly filed against individuals arrested in Denton County’s demand suppression stings. A first offense is a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years), and penalties increase dramatically if the alleged prostitute was a minor or represented to be a minor.

Online solicitation of a minor is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison. Denton County has documented at least 3 arrests for this offense in sting operations over the past three years, plus additional individual cases pursued by the Human Trafficking Unit. If you believed you were communicating with an adult but were actually communicating with an undercover officer posing as a minor, you still face serious charges.

Aggravated promotion of prostitution applies to those who own, invest in, manage, or control a prostitution enterprise involving two or more prostitutes. This is a second-degree felony.

Compelling prostitution of a minor is among the most serious sex offenses in Texas, carrying first-degree felony penalties of 5 to 99 years in prison.

If you’ve been charged with any prostitution-related offense, the stakes are high. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your defense options.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire Varghese Summersett to defend your prostitution case, you’re getting more than just legal representation. You’re getting a team that understands the sensitivity of these charges and treats you with dignity throughout the process.

We begin with a thorough case evaluation, reviewing all evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and developing a strategic defense plan tailored to your situation. We communicate clearly about your options, the likely outcomes, and what to expect at each stage.

Our attorneys handle cases throughout Denton County, including Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Corinth, Highland Village, Argyle, Lantana, and the surrounding areas. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we know that arrests don’t happen on a schedule.

Have more questions? Watch our video series where our attorneys answer common questions: Ask Our Lawyer: Denton County Criminal Defense

Frequently Asked Questions About Prostitution Charges

Can prostitution charges be expunged from my record?

If your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty, you may be eligible for an expunction that erases the arrest from your record. If you receive deferred adjudication and complete the terms successfully, you may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure that seals the record from most public access. Our team can evaluate your eligibility for record clearing options.

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

A conviction for simple prostitution under Texas Penal Code § 43.02 does not require sex offender registration. However, certain related offenses involving minors or aggravated circumstances may carry registration requirements. Online solicitation of a minor, for example, requires lifetime sex offender registration. This is one reason why the specific charge matters greatly.

What’s the difference between prostitution and solicitation?

Prostitution charges typically apply to the person offering or agreeing to sell sexual services. Solicitation charges under Texas Penal Code § 43.021 apply to the person offering or agreeing to pay for sexual services. The penalties differ significantly. Most people arrested in Denton County’s sting operations are charged with solicitation of prostitution, which is a state jail felony even for a first offense.

Can I avoid jail time for a prostitution charge?

Many first-time prostitution offenders in Denton County receive deferred adjudication probation, community supervision, or other alternatives to incarceration. The outcome depends on your criminal history, the specific facts of your case, and the strength of your defense. Our goal is always to keep you out of jail and protect your future.

I was arrested in a sting operation. Is there any defense?

Yes. Sting operations are not foolproof. Defenses may include entrapment (if law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have committed), lack of agreement (if the communications were ambiguous), constitutional violations, or insufficient evidence. We review every aspect of how the sting was conducted to identify potential defenses.

A prostitution arrest doesn’t have to define your future. Call Varghese Summersett at (940) 252-2220 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available around the clock to take your call and start building your defense.