Prostitution & Solicitation Defense in Houston

Using Our Decades of Experience to Fight for You

The Lone Star State has long prohibited sexual transactions, including paying for sexual acts or solicitation of prostitution. However, Texas prostitution law has increased in severity in recent years, making it crucial that you obtain a strong legal defense to avoid felony charges and other consequences of a prostitution conviction.

The good news is that our Houston prostitution defense attorney can help you fight your prostitution charges and get your life back on track. A Houston prostitution lawyer like those at our law firm will investigate the details of the incident to prove that you don’t deserve maximum sentencing. In some cases, we can get all prostitution and solicitation charges dismissed.

Don’t make the mistake of taking your prostitution charges too lightly. Reach out to our law office right away for legal counsel and protection as you navigate the complex criminal justice system. We’ll answer your questions, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. Reach out to Enrique Ramirez Law, PC today at 713-987-7705 to learn how our Houston prostitution defense attorney can help you!

How Is Prostitution Defined in Texas?

Most people understand that prostitution is defined as paying someone for sex. However, Texas laws are more nuanced than that. There are several charges associated with sexual conduct that can result in stiff penalties for anyone associated with the prostitution transaction.

For example, offering to provide sexual services for money is considered a crime in Texas, known as solicitation of prostitution. Accepting payment for sex without making the offer in the first place may also constitute a criminal act. Also, any payment may hold up as evidence of prostitution, including drugs, gifts, or items other than money.

Finally, sexual conduct can mean more than just intercourse. Sexual touching of any kind that is meant to provide arousal in return for payment can lead to prostitution charges. Even if you offer the service and don’t go through with it, you’ve committed a crime in Texas.

Individuals who support prostitution through encouraging it, benefitting financially from it, or providing transportation for someone to prostitute themselves may also be charged with promoting prostitution.

Why Am I Being Charged with Solicitation?

Solicitation of prostitution is another example of a nuanced crime that goes beyond the simple definition of prostitution. Solicitation means you offered to perform a sexual act, whether you actually went through with it or not. You may be charged with solicitation of prostitution if you yell sexual phrases to someone on the street, make a lewd gesture, or offer to perform sexual acts for money.

Solicitation is seen as a serious crime because it can lead to sex slavery, exploitation, and human trafficking. Texas courts don’t take solicitation charges lightly, and you may face severe penalties if you’re convicted.

Please don’t face it alone if you’ve been charged with prostitution or solicitation in Harris County. Reach out to our compassionate, experienced Houston prostitution attorneys for advice and representation. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can get your questions answered without damaging your reputation or paying a dime.

When Does Prostitution Become a Felony?

The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony involves whether you go to jail or prison and whether your fines are minimal or extremely high. While some prostitution charges in Texas are considered misdemeanors, others include aggravating factors that elevate the charges. It’s critical to speak with a prostitution lawyer about your unique charges to understand what you’re up against.

Some examples of factors that could elevate your case to a felony include:

• Minors – If the crime involved anyone under age 18, the charges may be increased to a felony.
• Criminal history – Repeat offenses may also result in felony charges.
• Compelling prostitution – Forcing someone to perform acts against their will, even if you pay them, can lead to felony sex crime charges.
• Human trafficking – If you’re involved in trafficking other people, you may face severe criminal charges.
• Aggravating factors – Other aggravating factors, including violence or the use of a deadly weapon, can enhance the charges to a felony.

If your prostitution charge involves any of the above or other enhancing factors, please seek an experienced Houston prostitution lawyer immediately. Our criminal defense attorneys have vast experience handling prostitution related offenses, and we are ready to fight for you.

What Are the Penalties for Prostitution in Texas?

Typically, prostitution charges are charged as a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $2,000. Repeat prostitution convictions can lead to a Class A misdemeanor or even a third-degree felony. Solicitation of prostitution charges often follow the same pattern.

If your case includes third or subsequent convictions or other aggravating factors, such as aggravated promotion, coercion, human trafficking, or use of a deadly weapon, you could face a third-degree felony or even higher. Felony charges involve up to twenty years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

Please remember that, after you’ve suffered the legal consequences, you’ll have to live a life with a permanent criminal record. Even misdemeanor sex crime convictions can cause you to lose professional licensing, firearm rights, immigration status, and custody of your children. In some instances, you may have to submit to mandatory sex offender registration.

Our legal team knows how to combat the strategies law enforcement agencies often use to arrest people for prostitution crimes. We’ll develop a strong defense in your favor that gets you the minimum possible sentence and possibly gets your case dismissed.

What Defenses Can Help Me in My Prostitution or Solicitation Case?

It’s normal to feel hopeless and discouraged when facing the legal process in Texas. Prosecutors want to appear tough on crime, so they craft elaborate cases against those charged with prostitution or soliciting. However, whether you committed a crime or not, you have rights that must be protected.

Some defenses that can defeat or reduce prostitution charges include:

• Mistaken identity – If law enforcement officers arrested the wrong person, the case against you could be dismissed.
• Insufficient evidence – Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. If we can poke holes in their argument, we can get your charges lowered or thrown out entirely.
• Entrapment – Law enforcement agencies sometimes trick a person into committing a crime they wouldn’t normally commit, which is known as entrapment. Entrapment is illegal and can mean that charges against you could be dropped.
• Lack of intent – If you had no intent to engage in prostitution, this can be a powerful defense.

Having effective legal representation is crucial when fighting serious criminal offenses like prostitution and solicitation. Our legal team will investigate to determine whether the prostitution sting operation was legal and will defend your constitutional rights every step of the way.

Why Do I Need a Defense Lawyer When Facing Prostitution or Solicitation Charges in Harris County?

The Texas penal code can be strict and complex. If you are facing prostitution and solicitation charges in Texas, you need a Houston prostitution defense attorney who understands the law and is ready to go to bat for you.

Your legal team will guide you through the complex criminal justice system, including the police investigation, negotiation periods, and, if necessary, trial. An experienced prostitution lawyer will investigate the alleged crime to uncover ways your rights were violated. They’ll also build a strong character image by coaching you on how to respond to police officers’ questions.

If you or someone you love is facing sex crime charges in South Texas, there is too much at stake to face it alone or hire an inexperienced lawyer. We aren’t afraid to fight for our clients, and we’ve proven our skill and knowledge over more than 34 years of criminal defense practice. Please contact Enrique Ramirez Law, PC to speak with our Houston prostitution attorneys about how we can help.

Should You Hire Our Prostitution & Solicitation Defense Lawyers in Houston?

Facing criminal charges in the Houston area can be terrifying. You may wonder if there’s any point to fighting the prostitution charges. However, this matter is too important to go down without a fight. You can get a fierce ally and excellent legal counsel when you hire Enrique Ramirez Law, PC.

Our legal team has decades of experience fighting for our clients. We will relentlessly pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Whether that means proving you lacked intent, were a victim of entrapment by undercover officers, or have other mitigating factors, we’ll develop a strong prostitution defense that matches your case. We know how to navigate the legal system effectively and achieve positive outcomes for our clients.

Call 713-987-7705 to schedule your free, confidential consultation today!