Houston Prostitution Defense Attorney

Experienced Defense for Sex Crimes in Houston, TX

Prostitution is any sexual conduct in return for a fee. Although criminalized in Texas Penal Code Sec. 43.02[1], anyone accused of prostitution or soliciting prostitution remains innocent under the law until proven guilty. That person has the right to an attorney and the right to due process under the law. The Law Offices of Jed Silverman provides tough defense for those facing prostitution charges. 

Contact the Houston prostitution defense lawyers today at (713) 597-2221 or fill out this online form for a free review of your legal rights and options!

What Are Prostitution and Solicitation Charges in Texas?

In Texas, prostitution and solicitation are criminal offenses governed by both state and local laws. These charges generally involve engaging in or attempting to engage in sex acts for money or offering money or other compensation for sex.

• Prostitution (Texas Penal Code § 43.02): Prostitution occurs when a person knowingly offers or agrees to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money, property, or other forms of compensation. In Texas, prostitution can apply to both the person providing the sexual service and the person paying for it.
• Solicitation of Prostitution (Texas Penal Code § 43.03): Solicitation of prostitution refers to attempting to engage in or communicate an offer to engage in sexual acts in exchange for compensation. If you are accused of attempting to arrange or request sex for money, you can face charges of solicitation.

Is Prostitution a Misdemeanor or a Felony in Texas?

Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor which carries up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, but there are three exceptions:

1. If the defendant has been convicted for prostitution 1-2 times before, it will be a Class A misdemeanor. This carries up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
2. If the defendant has previously been convicted 3-4 times for prostitution, it will be a state jail felony. This could result in 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
3. If the defendant solicited an individual for prostitution who was younger than 18 or who they believed to be under 18, prostitution can be charged as a felony of the second degree.

Solicitation of Prostitution Charges

1. If you are charged with soliciting prostitution for the first time, it is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
2. If you have been previously convicted of solicitation of prostitution or related offenses, the charges could escalate to a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
3. Solicitation charges can be escalated to a state jail felony if the alleged victim is a minor or if the solicitation occurs within a designated area (such as near a school or public park). A state jail felony can result in 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Possible Defenses Against Prostitution and Solicitation Charges

While prostitution and solicitation charges are serious, there are several defenses that an experienced Houston prostitution defense attorney can use to challenge the evidence and protect your rights. Some of the most common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent or Knowledge: If there is insufficient evidence to prove that you knowingly engaged in prostitution or solicited sex for money, your prostitution lawyer in Houston may argue that there was no intent to commit the crime. 
• Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officials induce a person to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. If you were coerced or manipulated into engaging in prostitution or solicitation by undercover officers, we could argue entrapment as a defense.
• Lack of Evidence: In many prostitution and solicitation cases, the evidence is based on conversations, text messages, or other forms of communication. We can challenge the sufficiency of the evidence and argue that there was insufficient proof to support the prosecution’s claims. 
• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, individuals are falsely accused of prostitution or solicitation. If you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or were mistakenly identified as someone engaging in unlawful activity, your Houston prostitution attorney can work to show that you were not involved in the crime. 
• Coercion or Duress: If you were coerced or threatened into engaging in prostitution or soliciting sex by another person, we may argue that you were acting under duress. 

Were You Arrested in a Police Sting Operation?

Were you arrested in a police sting at a massage parlor? Massage parlors are legal in Texas. Oftentimes, evidence gathered in a police sting operation is not. Our focus is on getting the offense dismissed or reduced to a non-sex crime. Contact us if you have been arrested in a massage parlor in Houston.

We aggressively defend the rights and freedom of people accused of all types of sex crimes, including:

• Prostitution and solicitation
• Public lewdness, indecent exposure
• Online solicitation and other internet sex crimes
• Sexual assault, rape, statutory rape
• All other sex offenses

Statewide Representation for Prostitution and Solicitation - Contact a Houston Prostitution Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with prostitution or solicitation of a prostitute, fight vigorously to protect your rights and your future. At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, our Houston prostitution defense attorneys have earned our reputation as aggressive defenders of people's constitutional rights after being arrested for a sex crime. 

We also accept cases involving charges of:

• Sec. 43.03 “Promotion of Prostitution”
• Sec. 43.04 “Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution”
• Sec. 43.05 “Compelling Prostitution”

Houston prostitution attorney Jed Silverman represents clients in courts throughout Texas. Right now, you need an experienced lawyer to protect your rights and your future. Start by calling us at (713) 597-2221 or contact us by e-mail right away.