What Are the Charges and Penalties for Prostitution in Texas?

 Posted on July 15, 2019 in Criminal Defense

Prostitution is illegal throughout most of the United States, including the state of Texas. However, what many people may not realize is that both prostitutes and those who hire them may face harsh criminal consequences. There are a number of criminal penalties tied to prostitution, and being charged with this type of crime can not only result in a criminal conviction, but it can also affect a person's reputation, career, and personal relationships.

What Is Prostitution?

The Texas Penal Code defines prostitution and other acts of public indecency. A person may be charged with prostitution if they knowingly offer to receive payment or agree to receive money from another individual in return for engaging in sexual conduct. In addition, a person who offers to pay or agrees to pay a person for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts may be charged with prostitution. The offense is a Class B misdemeanor unless the offender has been convicted of a prior crime involving prostitution. Those found guilty of a Class B misdemeanor face up to $2,000 in fines and/or up to 180 days in jail. 

Prostitution becomes a Class A misdemeanor if the person has been previously convicted once or twice, and it escalates to a state jail felony if the offender has been convicted three times or more. A Class A misdemeanor’s penalties include a fine up to $4,000 and/or confinement in jail for up to one year. State jail felonies can result in 180 days to two years of confinement and up to $10,000 in fines.

What Is Promotion of Prostitution?

Promotion of prostitution is the “business” behind the activity. Those people who receive money or property with the agreement to engage in the proceeds of prostitution or those who solicit another person to engage in sexual acts with another party for compensation commit the crime of promotion. Those involved in the promotion of prostitution are the ringleaders of the people who are actually participating in sex acts. They make a profit while not physically participating in sexual acts. This is a state jail felony on the first offense and becomes a Class 3 felony on subsequent offenses.

What Is Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution?

Similar to the offense explained above, aggravated promotion of prostitution involves a person who knowingly “owns, finances, invests in, controls, supervises, or manages a prostitution ring with two or more prostitutes.” In other words, those people who run prostitution “businesses” with a minimum of two prostitutes commit aggravated promotion of prostitution. The offense is a Class 2 felony. A conviction can result in possible imprisonment lasting 15 to 99 years. 

Contact a Plano Criminal Defense Attorney

Sex crimes are taken seriously in every state, and especially in Texas. It is easy for these allegations to escalate quickly, and they can affect every part of a person's life, including employment and financial status and relationships with family members and friends. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. we can help ensure that your rights are upheld, and we will work to ensure that you receive a fair trial, no matter what accusations you are facing. If you need legal advice related to sex a crime charge, contact a Collin County sex crimes lawyer at 214-544-0061 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.43.htm

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.12.htm