Prostitution Charges Defense

Prostitution Lawyer in Houston

Section 43.02 of the Texas Penal Code defines prostitution as occurring whenever an individual “knowingly offers to engage, agrees to engage, or engages in sexual conduct for a fee or solicits another in a public place to engage with him in sexual conduct for hire.” Several offenses may be related to prostitution including:

• Promotion of prostitution – soliciting another to engage in sex for compensation
• Aggravated promotion of prostitution – knowingly investing in or controlling two or more prostitutes
• Compelling prostitution – causing a person to engage in prostitution by force or by any means if under 17

Money is not the only compensation required for an offense to be considered prostitution. Violators may also exchange jewelry, drugs, weapons or any other item of monetary value.

Call Attorney Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900

Common Penalties of Prostitution Charges

Prostitution charges are often the result of a misunderstanding. Other times, defendants simply make poor decisions. Whatever the occasion, an individual who is charged with a crime related to prostitution can face severe penalties under Texas law. These penalties typically increase in severity with each subsequent arrest and can include:

• 1st or 2nd Offense – Up to 180 days in jail along with fines of up to $2,000
• 3rd Offense – Up to 1 year in jail, plus fines of up to $4,000
• 4th Offense – Up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000

In some cases, probation is ordered in exchange for a suspended jail sentence. This is normally for first time offenders and a defendant may be required to perform community service as part of the terms of his or her probation. Charges of prostitution may be reduced or even dropped by hiring an aggressive criminal defense attorney.

Contact Shahin Zamir Today

If you have been charged with prostitution, you need to know that the burden of proof belongs to the State of Texas. Attorney Shahin Zamir is a former prosecutor who has also coached numerous mock trials. His background can be beneficial to you because Mr. Zamir is very familiar with some of the tactics used by District Attorneys in order to secure a conviction. You can be confident knowing you are getting the very best defense possible, so contact the Law Office of Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900 for a free consultation.