A Houston Prostitution Lawyer Can Fight Your Case

It can be embarrassing getting caught walking the streets of Houston trying to make money. Not everyone has an easy life in the city. Many have to turn to illegal activities to make a buck these days. Others are forced into a life of crime simply because they want to stay alive. No matter your reason, an experienced Houston prostitution lawyer can fight your case when faced with charges of prostitution in Texas.

Houston Prostitution Lawyer Explains the Crime

The crime of prostitution can be committed in various ways. For example, a person who pays for sexual contact or tries to solicit sexual contact in public has committed an act of prostitution. A person who receives a monetary fee for performing a sexual act has committed prostitution. It is also a crime for anyone to promote prostitution in Texas.

Promoting prostitution occurs when a person enters into an agreement with a prostitute to help them find clients and then take a portion of their earnings. This is known as pandering or pimping.

When a person knowingly forces a child under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution, this is known as compelling prostitution. A charge is levied in this circumstance whether or not the defendant actually knew the age of the child involved. Under Texas law, simply asking about a prostitute’s rate is charged as solicitation of prostitution, even if nothing ever came of the inquiry.

Houston Prostitution Penalties

The penalties you could face if charged with some form of prostitution in Houston include the following:

• 1st or 2nd offense: no more than 180 days in prison and no more than a $2,000 fine
• 3rd offense: no more than 1 year in prison and no more than a $4,000 fine
• 4th offense: no more than 2 years in prison and no more than a $10,000 fine

There are instances where probation can be offered in exchange for a prison sentence that is suspended. This typically occurs for a first offense. The terms of the probation could also include community service.

Are you facing a prostitution charge in Houston? Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today.