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Over the years, states have taken a harder stance against prostitution. Texas is no different. According to the Texas DPS Crime Records Report and Statistical Information, there were almost 20,000 people convicted of solicitation or prostitution offenses from 2016-2020.
In September 2021, Texas legislators passed stricter laws against prostitution in an effort to crack down on the rise of trafficking cases. With this new legislation, Texas became the first state in the country to make soliciting a prostitute a felony offense.
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The law has changed and the punishment for those caught ‘purchasing’ sex services is now much harsher. If you are facing solicitation charges, it is more important than ever to find a qualified and experienced lawyer who can help you build a solid defense. Call us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable defense attorneys about your case.
If a person offers or agrees to engage in sexual acts for money, they are considered to be prostituting or soliciting as defined by the Texas Penal Code, whether or not they actually receive or pay any money.
If convicted of solicitation in Texas, you are now looking at a state jail felony charge. This means that you could serve up to two years in prison and have to pay a fine no larger than $10,000. If this is your second offense, the penalties become much more severe- serving time ranged between two to ten years and/or receiving another fine not exceeding $10,000.If you’ve been charged with solicitation in Texas, these newer, harsher penalties mean you need an exceptional criminal defense firm on your side. At Edward Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers have years of experience handling cases like yours. You cannot risk prison time and your future – call us today to see how we can help!
The new penalties for solicitation in Texas are rather severe, but an attorney experienced with solicitation charges can help you. There are legal defenses that can be utilized to defend you if the case goes to court, but only a criminal defense firm that has handled many of these cases will understand the subtleties involved. It’s important to remember that the prosecutor does not need to prove much beyond intent in most solicitation cases and entrapment claims are very difficult to win. The criminal defense attorney you choose to stand by your side throughout your case is crucial. To ensure the success of your case, it’s only advisable that you discuss details with your defense lawyer. So call us today for a consultation.
If you knowingly offer or agree to pay someone a fee in order to engage in sexual conduct with them, you have committed an offense.
(b) If an individual commits an offense under Subsection (a), they will receive a state jail felony, unless:
(1) the actor has been previously convicted of an offense under Section 43.02(b), as that law existed before September 1, 2021; in which case it would only be a third-degree felony.
(2) However, if the person with whom the actor agrees to engage in sexual conduct is:
(A) younger than 18 years of age, even if the actor is unaware of the person’s age at the time of offense.
(B) falsely led the actor to believe that they were younger than 18 years of age; or
(C) the actor believed them to be younger than 18 years of age.
If convicted, the court may choose to enhance the sentence under this section or Subchapter D, Chapter 12A defendant is considered to have been previously convicted of an offense under this section if the defendant was adjudged guilty of the offense or entered a plea of guilty, regardless of whether the sentence for the offense was ever imposed.
This act was added in 2021 by the 87th Legislature and will take effect on September 1st of that year. It has been amended by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 807 (H.B 1540), Secs 28-30, all with an effective date of September 1st, 2021.
Contact us now!
Phone: 281-900-7226
6671 Southwest Fwy
Suite 442
Houston, Texas 77074
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Edward Okwueze is responsible for the content of this website.
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