Austin, TX Prostitution Defense Attorneys

Lawyers in Travis County Representing Clients Charged With Prostitution and Solicitation

The law in Texas takes a hard line against those who are accused of committing sex crimes, including engaging in prostitution or soliciting a prostitute. A conviction on prostitution charges can result in severe penalties, including jail time and a criminal record that could follow you for the rest of your life. A second or subsequent conviction carries even more severe consequences and longer periods of incarceration.

Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC. in Austin, Texas, provides skilled guidance and effective representation to clients who have been accused of prostitution or the solicitation of a prostitute. Our attorneys understand what is at stake in prostitution-related cases, and we know how to get favorable results. If you are facing charges related to solicitation or prostitution, we will work hard to help you avoid a conviction and to protect your best interests at every stage of the proceedings.

Types of Prostitution Offenses in Texas

Section 43 of the Texas Penal Code defines a number of behaviors that constitute offenses related to prostitution. The offense of "prostitution" as defined by Section 43.02 consists of offering or agreeing to receive a fee from another person to engage in sexual conduct. The offense of "solicitation of prostitution as defined by Section 43.021 consists of offering or agreeing to pay a fee for sexual conduct with another person.

In lay terms, offering or agreeing to receive a fee for sex is generally considered engaging in prostitution, while offering or agreeing to pay a fee for sex is usually known as solicitation. This means that the alleged prostitute can be charged under the first definition, and the person allegedly seeking sex can be charged under the second definition. Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines of up $2,000. Solicitation is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail in fines of up to $10,000.

It is important to recognize that solicitation becomes a second-degree felony for soliciting a person who is or who is believed to be under the age of 18. Subsequent offenses will result in elevated charges and increased penalties.

Texas law also prohibits the promotion of prostitution, more commonly known as "pimping" or "pandering," both in person and by means of the internet. Promotion of prostitution charges are always felonies, and a charge may be elevated to aggravated promotion of prostitution if the actions allegedly involved multiple prostitutes. It is also a felony to compel another person to engage in prostitution by force, coercion, fraud, or threat.

Midland County Sex Crimes Attorneys Fighting for You

At Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC., we have more than 50 years of combined criminal law experience. Our lawyers realize that prostitution-related cases are often very complex. We also know that there are at least two sides to every story, and you deserve the opportunity to tell yours. When you contact our firm, we will go to work in investigating the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence that prosecutors have against you. We will look for any and all details that could be useful in building your defense. If appropriate, we will negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or eliminate the charges against you and the potential impact on your future. However, we are fully prepared to take your case into the courtroom if a trial is necessary. We will remain at your side every step of the way, ensuring that your rights and your best interests are protected.

Call Us 24 Hours a Day

If you or a family member has been arrested on charges related to prostitution, we are here to help at any hour of the day or night. We may even be able to help secure a personal bond that will allow your loved one to get out of jail quickly. For more information, contact our office. Call 512-474-2222 or 432-570-1499 for a free consultation and case review today. Our attorneys represent clients in Travis County, Hays County, Ector County, Williamson County, Midland County, and throughout Central Texas. Hablamos Español.