Plano, Texas Attorney for Defense of Prostitution Charges

Law Firm Representing Clients Charged with Solicitation in Collin County and Denton County

Being accused of a sex crime such as prostitution can lead to heavy penalties and a permanent criminal record. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties and longer prison sentences. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. is able to effectively represent clients accused of prostitution as well as those charged with solicitation of a prostitute or sex worker. We can ensure that your rights are protected and will work with you to develop a strong defense against prostitution or solicitation charges.

Criminal Penalties for Prostitution in Texas

In Texas, soliciting a prostitute is considered a state jail felony punishable by between six months and two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. As with many criminal offenses, the penalties for patronizing a sex worker increase with subsequent prostitution-related offenses. If you have been previously convicted of a prostitution offense, and you are caught soliciting prostitution again, the charge may be enhanced to a third-degree felony which carries a penalty of two to 10 years in jail plus a maximum fine of $10,000.

Prostitution, which may be charged if a person is accused of offering or agreeing to receive payment in exchange for engaging in sexual conduct, is charged as a charged as a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A second prostitution offense is a class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail plus a maximum fine of $4,000. Prostitution can be charged as a state jail felony if the defendant has been convicted of two or more prostitution-related charges in the past. As with many sex crimes, soliciting minors for prostitution may also result in enhanced penalties.

Dallas Lawyer for Charges of Promotion of Prostitution

It is a crime in Texas to promote or profit from prostitution services. You can be charged with promotion of prostitution if you knowingly receive compensation for participating in a prostitution operation or you solicit someone to pay a sex worker for sexual contact. The crime of promoting prostitution is a third-degree felony in Texas. However, the charge may be enhanced to a second-degree felony if the defendant had been previously convicted of promotion of prostitution. If a person is accused of promotion of prostitution involving a person under the age of 18, they may be charged with a first-degree felony, and the penalties of a conviction include incarceration for up to 99 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

It is also against the law to run a "brothel house" or other large-scale sex work operation in Texas. You may face an aggravated promotion of prostitution charge if you manage or otherwise control a prostitution operation that involves two or more sex workers. Aggravated promotion of prostitution is considered a more serious crime than "regular" promotion of a prostitute, and it is considered a first-degree felony. It is also a first-degree felony crime to compel a person to commit prostitution. You could face criminal charges for compelling prostitution if you use force, threats, or fraud to encourage someone to act as a sex worker.

Building a Solid Defense Against Prostitution Charges

If you have been accused of paying for sexual contact or acting as a sex worker, it is highly advised that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. has successfully represented clients accused of sex crimes in Texas for 20 years. Attorney Darlina Crowder has an impressive track record as a criminal defense lawyer in Plano, securing more than 300 acquittals and not guilty verdicts for clients throughout her career.

Contact Us to Discuss Your Charges

If you have been accused of a prostitution-related offense, contact our office. Schedule a free, confidential case review today by calling 214-544-0061. The Crowder Law Firm P.C. assists clients in Dallas, Plano, Collin County, Fort Worth, Garland, Denton, Grayson County, and the surrounding areas. Se habla Español.