Houston Prostitution Lawyer
Relentless Prostitution & Solicitation Attorney in Houston, Texas
An arrest or conviction for prostitution or solicitation can be overwhelming and even embarrassing. As Houston prostitution lawyers, our defense attorneys understand that you are innocent until proven guilty. However, in the eyes of the prosecution, you are little more than a conviction in the Houston, TX area.
Often, people mistakenly believe that the crime requires sexual activity. The actual crime occurs as soon as you agree to exchange money for sex. In Texas, prostitution and solicitation charges carry steep fines and even jail time.
A skilled Houston prostitution defense attorney can protect your rights and your future. Universal Law Group can help you understand your position and build a defense strategy specific to your case. Our priority is to have the court dismiss or reduce your charges, and we commit ourselves to dedicated legal representation for the accused throughout the Houston metro area.
If you face charges in Harris County, call our firm at (832) 767-0339 now to schedule a case review with our legal team.
Defend Yourself Against Felony Charges
A Former Misdemeanor Is Now a Felony Case
Today, Texas prostitution laws are some of the harshest in the United States. Previously, prostitution and solicitation were a misdemeanor. Today, you face felony charges for buying sex.
In September 2021, HB1540 took effect, and a first-time conviction can result in severe penalties. Potential penalties include:
- Up to two years in jail
- A $10,000 fine
- Registering as a sex offender
Additionally, having a felony on your record impacts your access to employment, gun ownership, scholarships, federal aid, and your voting rights. Texas wants to crack down on trafficking. Unfortunately, that makes it too easy for innocent people to fall into the crossfire.
When you face prostitution or solicitation charges, you have the right to defend yourself. At Universal Law Group, Houston prostitution lawyers use trial-tested defense strategies to protect your rights.
Fill out the form or call us at 832-767-0339 to schedule a confidential case evaluation with an experienced trial attorney.
Former Prosecutors
Personalized Defense Strategies
Focused on Dismissals & Reduced Charges
Prostitution Laws in Texas
Houston Prostitution Defense Attorneys Protect Your Rights
When you work with our Houston-based law firm, our goal is to pursue dismissed or reduced charges. Every step of the way, we fight relentlessly for the best possible outcome of your case.
As Texas continues to crack down on trafficking, more and more innocent people fall victim to “stings” and mistakes made by law enforcement. Below are the details of prostitution crimes in Texas.
Prostitution Laws & Penalties
Under Texas Penal Code 43.02(a), any exchange of sexual conduct for money or any item(s) of value is illegal.
Prostitution involving an adult 18 years or older:
- State jail felony
- Minimum: 180 days in jail
- Maximum: 2 years in jail
- Fine: up to $10,000
Prostitution involving a minor 14 to 18 years old:
- Third-degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fine: Up to $10,000
Prostitution involving a minor under 14 years:
- Second-degree felony
- Up to 20 years in prison
- Fine: Up to $10,000
Solicitation Laws & Penalties
Under Texas Penal Code section 43.02(b), the offer of money for sexual acts is a crime. The act does not have to occur, and money does not have to change hands. Solicitation is the agreement to pay a fee for sex acts.. It can happen online, through text or email, or in person.
First offense:
- State jail felony
- 180 days to 2 years in jail
- Fine: Up to $10,000
Repeat offenders:
- Third-degree felony: Up to 10 years in prison
- Second-degree felony: Up to 20 years in prison
Promotion of Prostitution
According to Texas Penal Code section 43.03, an individual who knowingly profits from prostitution or solicitation faces felony charges. This law applies to online promotion as well.
- State jail felony
- Up to 2 years in prison
- Fine: Up to $10,000
If the case involves a minor or a repeat offender, the jail time increases.
Aggravated Promotion
Under Texas Penal Code section 43.04, aggravated promotion of prostitution happens when someone knowingly invests in, finances, owns, controls, manages, or supervises an “enterprise” with two or more prostitutes involved.
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fine: Up to $10,000.
If the charge involves a minor, it becomes a first-degree felony. In Texas, a conviction for a first-degree felony results in five to 99 years in prison.
Compelling Prostitution
According to Texas Penal Code section 43.05, compelling prostitution involves the use of fraud, force, or threats to force another person into sex work.
- Second-degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fine: Up to $10,000
If the person forced into sex work is a minor, it becomes a first-degree felony, which results in up to life in prison.
What Influences a Sentence in a Prostitution Case?
There are several factors courts consider to determine sentencing in the event of a conviction:
- Additional charges, such as assault
- The age of the parties involved
- Any use of force, fraud, or threat
- Existing criminal record
The Long-Term Damage of a Conviction
Because Texas elevated prostitution to a state felony, a convicted person becomes a felon. In the United States, felons face tremendous barriers when they reenter society.
Common issues include:
- Losing the right to vote
- Barriers to employment and housing
- Losing gun ownership rights
- A damaged reputation
- Potential issues with immigration
- Potential to become a registered sex offender
Hire an Aggressive Houston Prostitution Attorney
Texas takes prostitution and solicitation seriously, and the consequences are severe. If you find yourself accused of prostitution, you need a skilled Houston prostitution defense lawyer to advocate for you. At Universal Law Group, our top priority is to fight for dismissed or reduced charges. In every stage of the legal process, we pursue the best possible outcome of your case.
Contact Us
- 10350 Richmond Ave. Suite 450, Houston, TX 77042
- (+1) 832-767-0339
- info@ulg.law
- Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
How Law Enforcement Investigates Prostitution
As criminal defense attorneys, we work with people who face an array of charges. Oftentimes, the stories are quite similar. When it comes to prostitution or solicitation of prostitution, the charges often result from an undercover “sting” operation.
At Universal Law Group, we know how law enforcement investigates and prosecutes these crimes.
Typically, these investigations occur in one of two ways.
- A police officer poses as a prostitute and solicits Houstonians online, on the streets, or in strip clubs. Often, they wear a hidden microphone (a “wire”) and attempt to have a person make an agreement to exchange a sexual act for money. In some instances, they have a video recording of the supposed transaction.
- An undercover officer might pose as a “John,” the person looking to hire a sex worker to exchange money for some sexual act. Typically, these officers work online or in strip clubs. Similarly, they attempt to have someone agree to the exchange of money for sex.
Our Houston prostitution attorney leverages this knowledge to build an aggressive defense strategy. We tear down the prosecution’s case to reduce your charges, earn a dismissal, or win an acquittal.
A Houston Prostitution Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Texas does not tolerate prostitution or solicitation. Moreover, the state does not take these crimes lightly. When you find yourself facing accusations or charges, you need the experience and expertise of a Houston prostitution attorney from Universal Law Group.
When you partner with our Houston prostitution defense lawyer, you have an advocate dedicated to pursuing and protecting your best interests. At Universal Law Group, our criminal defense legal team understands how the prosecution thinks and acts.
We leverage our experience in the court system to help you pursue the best possible outcome of your case. Schedule a free case evaluation with our Houston prostitution defense attorney today to learn more about your legal options.