Fort Worth, TX Prostitution Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Attorney Representing Clients Accused of Prostitution and Solicitation in Fort Worth

In Texas, you can be charged with a crime for offering sexual favors for something of value, as well as offering to pay for sexual favors. These crimes—known as prostitution and solicitation, respectively—come with serious penalties, including thousands of dollars in fines and years of prison time. With the help of a Fort Worth sex crimes lawyer, you can fight a charge of prostitution or solicitation and challenge the prosecution's case.

Attorney Edwardo Meza has handled many criminal defense cases and achieved successful results for his clients. When you work with The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, you will receive an aggressive legal advocate who can provide you with one-on-one counsel and representation as you address a prostitution or solicitation charge.

Prostitution

In Texas, the crime of prostitution refers to offering or agreeing to receive a fee in exchange for engaging in a sexual act or intercourse with another person. For a first offense, prostitution is charged as a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000. However, on repeat offenses, a charge can escalate to a state jail felony, punishable by a $10,000 fine and/or up to two years in prison.

Solicitation

Solicitation refers to the other end of a prostitution transaction—the person receiving sexual favors for a fee. Solicitation carries noticeably higher penalties compared to prostitution, as a first charge of solicitation is punishable as a state jail felony. If you have a prior conviction for solicitation on your record, you may face third-degree felony charges, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Additionally, if the prostitute was under 18 or represented themselves as being under 18, you could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison on second-degree felony charges. Enhanced penalties may also apply if the transaction took place near a school.

Defenses Against a Prostitution or Solicitation Charge

Because the two crimes are so interlinked, defense strategies for prostitution and solicitation tend to be very similar. First, a defense attorney may question if there was a real intent to commit a crime. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly offered to engage in prostitution for a fee. If no money was offered or put down, you may have a strong defense against a prostitution or solicitation charge.

In other cases, you could make a case for your defense based on entrapment. If you were pressured by law enforcement into committing a criminal offense, a skilled criminal defense lawyer could argue to have the case dismissed. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can consider many other defense strategies for your case, such as a lack of evidence or a mistake of fact.

Other Prostitution Charges

You can be charged with promotion of prostitution for knowingly profiting off the proceeds of a prostitute. This charge also applies if you solicit another person to engage in prostitution. In either case, this crime is a third-degree felony, but it may escalate to a second-degree felony if it involves an underage prostitute or a repeat offense.

Aggravated promotion of prostitution charges may apply in an "enterprise" involving two or more prostitutes. On a conviction, this crime is punishable as a first-degree felony, and it may lead to up to 99 years in prison or a life sentence.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Attorney

Prostitution and solicitation are not treated lightly in Texas. If you are facing criminal charges, our Fort Worth, TX sex crimes lawyer can provide you with qualified representation and counsel.

The Meza Law Firm, PLLC has received over 400 5-star reviews from clients we have personally helped. Call us at 817-732-6392 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.