Prostitution / Solicitation

In Houston, allegations of prostitution or solicitation often stem from intricate sting operations conducted by law enforcement. These operations target adult entertainment clubs, massage parlors, escort services and other adult establishments. In addition, law enforcement frequently operate reverse sting operations by having an undercover police officer pose as a street walker or call girl. Prostitution or solicitation charges can result in serious penalties and consequences, including public embarrassment, jail or prison sentences, a criminal record and/or hefty fines.

Keep in mind that before you can be convicted of this crime of moral turpitude the state prosecutor must prove to a judge or jury every element of your alleged prostitution or solicitation offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Against an experienced defense attorney, it can be very hard for a prosecutor to meet this burden of proof at trial, and if the judge or jury has any reasonable doubt you committed every element of the offense, you could be found not guilty or the prosecutor could dismiss or reduce the charges prior to trial. Therefore, it is crucial to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney who can craft the best possible defense strategy for your case.

Houston Prostitution Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with the criminal offense of prostitution or solicitation in Harris county (Houston), or any of the surrounding counties in Texas, including Montgomery (Conroe), Waller (Hempstead), Liberty (City of Liberty), Fort Bend (Richmond), Brazoria (Angleton), Galveston (City of Galveston) or Washington (Brenham), contact James G. Sullivan and Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428.  Attorney James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced trial lawyer who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.

James Sullivan graduated from the Trial Lawyers College founded by Legendary lawyer Gerry Spence. Sullivan has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas.

Houston Prostitution Offenses

Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.02, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:
1) Offers to engage in, agrees to engage in or engages in sexual conduct for a fee; or
2) Solicits another person in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire.

Promotion of Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.03, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:
1) Receive money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or
2) Solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.

Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.04, a person commits this offense if he knowingly owns, invests in, controls, supervises or manages a prostitution enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes.

Compelling Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.05, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:

1) Causes another by force, threat or fraud to commit prostitution; or
2) Causes by any means a child younger than 18 years to commit prostitution, regardless of whether that person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense.

Prostitution Penalties in Houston

Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code defines the penalties for prostitution and solicitation offenses. These penalties can vary depending on the age of the individual involved in the offense, the type of offense and whether or not the accused has any prior convictions. In Texas, the possible punishments for prostitution and solicitation offenses are:

• A person charged with compelling prostitution of a child under the age of 18 can face a conviction for a felony of the first degree, which is usually punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five years to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• A person charged with any other compelling prostitution offense or solicitation of a child under the age of 14 can face a conviction for a felony of the second degree, which is usually punishable by two years to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• A person charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution or solicitation of a person between the ages of 14 and 17 can face a conviction for a felony of the third degree, which is usually punishable by two years to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• A person charged with a fourth or subsequent conviction for a prostitution offense can face a conviction for a state jail felony, which is usually punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a state jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years.
• A person charged with promotion of prostitution or a second or third prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor, which is usually punishable by jail sentence up to one year and/or a fine up to $4,000.
• A person charged with a first prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class B misdemeanor, which is usually punishable by jail sentence up to 180 days and/or a fine up to $2,000.

James G. Sullivan and Associates | Houston Solicitation Attorney

Contact James G. Sullivan and Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free initial consultation about your prostitution or solicitation charges in counties throughout southeast Texas, including Harris, Montgomery, Waller, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston and Washington. Attorney James Sullivan is an experienced Houston sex crimes attorney who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.