An Arlington Prostitution Lawyer Fights For Your Rights

Overview Of Prostitution Laws In Texas

The Texas Penal Code defines prostitution in Texas. A person commits this offense if they knowingly agree or offer to receive a fee in exchange for engaging in sexual conduct. The law applies to more than just monetary transactions but also payment in the form of goods, drugs, services, or other benefits.

The penalties for prostitution charges escalate based on prior convictions to deter repeat offenses. First-time offenders typically face a Class B misdemeanor, which carries penalties of no more than 180 days in a county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

For second or third offenses, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine as high as $4,000, or both. Meanwhile, fourth and subsequent violations constitute a state jail felony. Such charges involve imprisonment ranging from 180 days to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Prostitution has become more complex over time, leading to the criminalization of related offenses. The law targets not only the person providing sexual services but also other parties involved in offering such favors. Understanding these legal distinctions is vital for those facing charges, as the penalties vary significantly.

Related Prostitution Offenses & Their Consequences

Prostitution cases also involve offenses that extend beyond direct participation in the act itself. Texas law targets individuals and organizations facilitating, promoting, or driving these acts. These offenses carry significant penalties, reflecting the state’s firm stance on curbing illegal activities tied to them.

Promotion Of Prostitution

Commonly known as pimping, the promotion of prostitution occurs when someone knowingly profits from or facilitates prostitution activities. This can include managing agreements for sexual acts or soliciting individuals to engage in such conduct. A first offense is classified as a third-degree felony, carrying two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

If the offender has a prior conviction, it can escalate to a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years imprisonment. Promotion of prostitution involving a minor under 18 is a first-degree felony, with penalties that can range from five to 99 years in jail, reflecting the seriousness of exploiting children.

Aggravated Promotion Of Prostitution

Aggravated promotion applies when an individual owns, controls, or manages an operation involving two or more prostitutes. This is a first-degree felony, punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a maximum of $10,000 in fines.

The law also extends to online platforms facilitating prostitution involving five or more people. Such charges are typically second-degree felonies, with potential penalties of two to 20 years in prison. When minors are involved or if the defendant has a prior conviction, these charges carry harsher penalties under the law.

Compelling Prostitution

Compelling prostitution occurs when someone forces another person into sexual conduct through coercion, threats, or fraud. This offense also applies to those who cause an individual under 18 to engage in prostitution, regardless of whether force was used. Further, the law treats this as a first-degree felony.

These related offenses often intersect with direct prostitution charges. Addressing such allegations requires an in-depth approach tailored to the case’s specifics. Defendants accused of these crimes should explore legal defenses that reflect the unique circumstances of their situation.

Defense Strategies For Prostitution Charges

You may feel like the odds are stacked against you, but there are ways to fight back. A skilled Arlington prostitution attorney can explore every detail of your case and help you build a defense that fits your situation. Below are several defense strategies that may apply:

You Were Coerced Or Trafficked

If someone forced, manipulated, or exploited you into this situation, Texas law recognizes you as a victim, not a criminal. Human trafficking defenses apply when someone uses threats, violence, or control to push you into prostitution. Your attorney can present evidence of coercion, abusive relationships, or organized trafficking activity to seek a dismissal or reduced charge.

You Were Entrapped By Law Enforcement

Entrapment is a valid defense if law enforcement officers pressured or misled you into committing an act you would not have otherwise done. Many prostitution cases involve undercover operations. If officers used aggressive or deceptive tactics to provoke your response, your lawyer may argue that you were unfairly entrapped.

You Were Misidentified Or Falsely Accused

In chaotic or undercover situations, mistaken identity is more common than you might think. If you were wrongly identified or accused, your attorney can use witness inconsistencies, surveillance footage, or communication records to prove you weren’t involved.

There Was No Intent Or Clear Agreement

To convict you of prostitution, prosecutors must prove that you intended to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for compensation. If your conversation with the undercover officer or alleged witness was vague, misinterpreted, or not actually criminal in nature, your attorney can argue that the legal threshold for “agreement” wasn’t met.

The Evidence Is Weak Or Unreliable

Sometimes, the prosecution’s case is built on shaky ground, poor surveillance, unreliable testimony, or violations of your constitutional rights. If the evidence against you is thin or improperly gathered, your lawyer can challenge it and push for suppression or dismissal.

Every case is unique, and not all strategies apply to every situation. But with a defense that’s carefully built around the facts of your arrest, you can protect your name, freedom, and future.