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Odessa Solicitation Lawyer

Experienced Solicitation attorneys fighting for your rights across Odessa Texas. We’ve successfully defended thousands of Solicitation cases with proven results.

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Welcome to Texas Criminal Defense Group Odessa!

When people consider the idea of paying for sex, they often consider the person offering the sexual act. However, the Texas Penal Code takes steps to punish the people paying, often times in harsher ways than the seller. Depending on the identity of the seller and the buyer’s mindset at the time of the transaction, a solicitation conviction can result in serious jail time and major fines.

Odessa solicitation lawyers represent people who have been accused of solicitation in Texas’ criminal court to defend their freedoms and reputations. If you are facing solicitation charges, contact a distinguished defense attorney who can help you prepare your defense before trial.

Solicitation Laws in Texas

Unlike in many jurisdictions, there is no law titled “solicitation” in the Texas Penal Code. Rather, it is a subsection of the statute for prostitution. People who have been accused of actions that would normally be considered solicitation will be charged with prostitution. It is important for an individual facing prosecution to contact an Odessa solicitation lawyer who can help them preserve their rights.

Texas Penal Code defines prostitution/solicitation as:

Possible Penalties for Solicitation

A first offense under solicitation/prostitution will be classified as a class B Misdemeanor. However, a second or third offense upgrades to a class A misdemeanor. A fourth or later conviction is a state jail felony. If the person solicited is under 18 years of age, regardless of the solicitor’s knowledge of this fact, the crime is treated as a class B Felony.

Class B Felonies require a minimum prison term of two years, with a maximum of 20 years. A fine of up to $10,000 is possible. State jail felonies have a minimum jail term of 180 days and a fine of up to $10,000.

Odessa solicitation lawyers have seen a guilty finding may result in up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both for a class B misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors increase the maximum jail term to one year and the maximum fine to $4,000.

Potential Defenses

Someone can be convicted under the solicitation portion of the prostitution statute if they pay someone to engage in sexual conduct, or merely offer a fee for a person to engage in sexual conduct. One key thing to remember here is the concept of criminal mindset or mens rea. This statute requires that the actor actually know that they were attempting to exchange a fee for a sexual act.

It is a defense that the alleged purchaser thought that the meeting between the two people was for a free exchange of sex. However, it is an offense regardless of whether the buyer actually offers or pays the fee, as long as they intended to do so. An attempt is enough for a conviction.

Help from a Lawyer

People who are accused of solicitation are often surprised to find that the criminal complaint issued lists prostitution as the charge. Despite this possible confusion, people accused of prostitution face long jail terms and stiff fines. Even if the charge is minor enough that a conviction does not result in a jail sentence, the conviction will remain on that person’s criminal record. This can have a negative effect on a person’s future housing and work prospects. Odessa solicitation lawyers represent individuals in every step of their case. From arraignments and bail hearings to evidentiary motions and trials. Whether your goal is to seek a fair plea deal or to fight the charges to the end. They can work with you towards a positive outcome.

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Recent Solicitation Case Results

Our proven track record speaks for itself

Solicitation Charge Dismissed: Audio Challenge

Solicitation of Prostitution charge dismissed after successfully challenging the sufficiency of the audio evidence used as the basis for the arrest.

Case Dismissed Via Pre-Trial Diversion

Full dismissal achieved following the client's successful completion of a court-approved pre-trial diversion program focused on counseling.

Charge Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Solicitation charge significantly reduced to a minor disorderly conduct offense, preserving the client's clear criminal record.

Not Guilty Verdict After Bench Trial

Secured a Not Guilty Verdict where the judge agreed the client's verbal statements were too ambiguous to meet the legal standard for solicitation.

Dismissal Due to Mistaken Identity

Successfully demonstrated to the prosecutor that the client was mistakenly identified in a police sting operation, leading to a full dismissal.

Deferred Adjudication for Professional Protection

Secured Deferred Adjudication, providing critical protection for the client's professional license from a permanent conviction.

Client Stories

Why Choose Our Solicitation Defense Team?

Experience, expertise, and results you can trust

Board Certified

Texas Board of Legal Specialization certified in criminal law

24/7 Availability

Available around the clock for urgent matters

Experienced Team

Over 25 years of defense experience

Proven Results

Thousands of successful case outcomes

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

Don't Face Solicitation Charges Alone

Every minute counts in a Solicitation case. Contact us immediately for a free consultation and start building your defense today.

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