Prostitution & Solicitation Attorney in Fort Bend County, TX

Is Prostitution Legal in Texas?

Prostitution is illegal in the state of Texas. While being charged with any crime is a serious business, few face a shameful public stigma so much as specialized sex crimes such as prostitution and solicitation. Unfortunately, due to both juror and judge bias, those who are charged with these crimes of indecency to the public often do not receive a fair trial. So zealous are law enforcement officials in stamping out these times of behavior, that many act too quickly in arresting defendants, or even force evidence to stand when it is insufficient to convict. Many who are innocent of these charges are wrongfully penalized due to lack of thorough investigation, while those who have committed some related behavior are unfairly struck with much harsher consequences than appropriate.

Once you have been convicted of these crimes, you will have a very difficult time in life. Not only are present consequences severe, but the long-lasting damages on your career, your academic or social status, and your entire future reputation often never disappear. This is why it is important to seek the aid of our compassionate, knowledgeable prostitution/solicitation lawyer in Fort Bend County. At The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, we are determined that everyone who walks through our doors receives the fair trial they are entitled to.

Call us now at (713) 766-1445 for a free and confidential consultation to support you in your hour of need.

Is Prostitution a Felony or Misdemeanor in Texas?

Prior to 2021, you would most likely be facing a misdemeanor charge if charged with any type of prostitution.

The situation has now changed. It is now a felony offense in Texas, requiring state jail time, under this harsh legislation enacted in 2021. It is now a felony for you, or anyone else, to solicit another for paid sexual conduct instead of a class B misdemeanor.

Prostitution solicitation became a felony offense in Texas for the first time. The Texas police traditionally targeted those who sold prostitution, but now these laws target those who bought sexual favors as well.

Texas has never legalized the purchase of sex. A sexual act is one that takes place when a person knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person.

The new law prohibits simply asking for sex in exchange for any kind of payment. A person can be convicted of soliciting prostitution even if there was no sexual conduct or money exchanged.

Texas Prostitution Laws

In Texas, there are several different charges against prostitution, and it is important to know the distinction to apply the most appropriate, direct approach in countering these allegations.

Some of the most common prostitution charges and their criminal penalties include:

• General prostitution – In the state of Texas, prostitution is defined as any sexual behavior or conduct which is exchanged for a fee or a salary. According to section § 43.02 of the Texas Penal Code, prostitution is normally designated as a Class B misdemeanor. Thus, those found guilty of prostitution can serve up to 180 days of jail time, or pay fees of $2,000, or even both in certain circumstances. If solicitation occurred with a minor, the crime will be charged as a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
• Solicitation of a prostitute – According to Texas law, anyone who purposefully engages in the solicitation of a sexual act in exchange for a fee has committed this crime. The defendant may have sought to engage in sexual conduct themselves, or have hired a prostitute for another partner, but in either case, has participated in illegal activity. Even if the sexual act was never carried out but simply intended, the prosecution can still charge the defendant with solicitation. Effective September 1, 2021, solicitation of prostitution became a State Jail felony in Texas. This felony is punishable by a state jail sentence between 180 days and two years, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Promoting prostitution – Those who may not engage in prostitution themselves but profit by advertising, supporting, or promoting prostitution are actually charged with a higher charge of a Class A misdemeanor, because they are held to be responsible for actions of others, some of whom may not desire to engage in prostitution in the first place. Therefore, these allegations tend to have much harsher penalties. The defendant may serve up to 365 days in incarceration, pay up to $4,000 in the form of fines, or both. Those who have been discovered in hiring more than one prostitute will additionally be convicted of a third-degree felony.

For more information about the prostitution laws in Texas, contact our firm at (713) 766-1445 today.

Why Hire a Lawyer for Your Prostitution Charges in Texas?

Prostitution charges in Houston and Fort Bend Country must be taken seriously no matter if you're accused of being the prostitute, the pimp, the madam, or the "john." You should never handle your defense on your own - or trust your future to a public defender without adequate resources or time. Even though obtaining a private lawyer will cost you money, it's nothing compared to the long-term ramifications of a prostitution conviction.

Even if you end up not having to pay the highest penalties available for your charge, being accused of either prostitution or solicitation will have major negative impacts on your reputation, your marriage and future relationships, your job, and your social status for many years to come. Do not wait but get in touch with our prostitution/solicitation attorney in Fort Bend County to resolve these accusations before it is too late.

Contact us now at (713) 766-1445 so that our seasoned criminal defense lawyer at The Sims Law Firm, PLLC can restore you back to your deserved normalcy of life.