Varied Landscape of Prostitution in Texas
Prostitution in Texas is a complex issue with several aspects, from street corners to online services. The way Texas handles these issues varies greatly across the state, making the laws confusing. People who may be engaging in sexual criminal conduct should be aware of the various types of prostitution crimes in Texas because the rules can be complicated and vary depending on where they are.
Types of Prostitution in Texas and Their Consequences
Prostitution in Texas (Texas Penal Code 43.02)
A person commits an offense for prostitution in Texas when they offer to have sex in exchange for money or something valuable, or when they receive money for having sex. Occasionally, law enforcement conducts sting operations to apprehend individuals involved in the buying or selling of sexual services. If you’ve been caught for prostitution three or more times before, it becomes a more serious crime, called a state jail felony. If prostitution occurs in proximity to a school, the penalties can be more severe.
Here are the possible punishments:
- For the first offense, you could spend up to 180 days in jail and have to pay $2,000 for a Class B misdemeanor.
- For a second offense, you might go to jail for up to one year and have to pay $4,000 for a Class A misdemeanor.
- For subsequent and serious cases, you could end up in jail for up to two years and have to pay $10,000 for a state jail felony.
Solicitation of Prostitution in Texas (Texas Penal Code 43.021)
An offense is committed by anyone who intentionally proposes or consents to pay a charge to someone else with the intention of participating in sexual activities with that individual or another. Texas law punishes prostitution solicitation far more severely than prostitution itself. The goal is to execute those who solicit prostitutes more severely than those who accept money in exchange for sex or sexual acts. Soliciting prostitution in Texas is a felony, even for the very first time.
- If this is your first offense, you could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. This is known as a state jail felony.
- If you continue to do it after being caught once, you will be charged with a third-degree felony. That means you could spend two to ten years in prison and face fines of up to $10,000.
- If the person you’re attempting to pay for sex is younger than 18 years of age or claims to be, the situation becomes even more serious. A second-degree felony carries a sentence of two to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution (Texas Penal Code 43.04)
Changes to the laws about prostitution in Texas have recently been made. They added new rules for people who run businesses related to sex. Knowingly owning, financing, or managing a business involving two or more prostitutes is now a serious crime.
- They could go to jail for a period ranging from 180 days to two years, and they might have to pay hefty fines of up to $10,000 for a state jail felony conviction.
- When someone hires a person aged 18 to 20 for certain illegal activities, it elevates to a second-degree felony. This means they could be sentenced to spend two to ten years in a Texas prison and could be fined up to $10,000.
Compelling Child Prostitution (Texas Penal Code 43.05)
Compelling child prostitution in Texas means making someone who’s under 18 do prostitution, using force, threats, or other ways to make them do it. This is also called making a minor do prostitution, and it is a very serious crime.
- If someone is found guilty of compelling child prostitution, they could end up in prison ranging from five to 99 years, and they might have to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Online Prostitution (Texas Penal Code 43.031)
It includes anyone running an online service to promote or facilitate internet-based prostitution.
- The first offense in online prostitution is a third-degree felony. This can lead to 2–10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 if convicted.
- Subsequent offenses and/or those involving minors are treated as second-degree felonies. These carry sentences of 2–20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 upon conviction.
Arrested? Don’t Plea, Call Me!
When it comes to prostitution cases, it’s critical to consult with an experienced prostitution attorney. They can offer advice and advocate for the best possible outcome based on the facts of the case. Because Texas takes prostitution offenses seriously, having expert legal representation is often critical to successfully navigating the legal process.
As your defense attorney, we’ll evaluate and investigate your case thoroughly. Create a strong defense strategy that is tailored to your specific situation. In addition, we will negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf and advocate in court for your rights and interests.
Furthermore, we can inform you about the potential indecent exposure consequences of a conviction. This includes the possibility of incarceration, fines, and other penalties. And work to minimize the charges’ impact on your life and future.