Allegations of Prostitution / Solicitation in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex often arise through elaborate sting operations. These operations, which are typically conducted by Texas law enforcement, target adult entertainment clubs, massage parlors, escort services, and other adult establishments. Criminal charges for prostitution or solicitation can result in serious penalties and repercussions, including jail or prison sentences, possible sex offender registration requirements, public embarrassment, a criminal record, and /or fines.
It is important to know that the state prosecutor must prove every element of your alleged prostitution or solicitation offense beyond a reasonable doubt before you can be convicted. This can be a very difficult burden of proof to establish, and if the judge or jury has any doubt you committed every element of the offense, the charges against you may be reduced or even dropped altogether. Therefore, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you develop the best possible defense strategy for your particular situation.
Prostitution Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX
If you have been charged with a prostitution or solicitation offense in Dallas, contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Dallas Prostitution Offenses
Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.02 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they knowingly:
- Solicit another person in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire; or
- Offers to engage in, agrees to engage in or engages in sexual conduct for money.
Promotion of Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.03 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they knowingly:
- Receive money or any other property as set forth in an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or
- Solicits a person to engage in sexual conduct with another person for money.
Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.04 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they knowingly own, manage, control, supervise, invest in or supervise an enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes, which is also commonly known as a brothel.
Compelling Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.05 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they knowingly:
- Cause another person to commit prostitution through force, threat, or fraud; or
- Cause a child under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution, whether or not they knew the age of the child at the time of the offense.
Prostitution Penalties in Dallas
The penalties for prostitution and solicitation offenses are defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. These penalties can vary depending on the type of offense, the age of the individual involved in the offense, and/or whether the alleged offender has any prior convictions. The suggested statutory punishments for prostitution and solicitation offenses in Texas are as follows:
- An individual 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 generally punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- An individual 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 generally punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- An individual 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 generally punishable by two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- An individual charged with a fourth or subsequent conviction for a prostitution offense can face a conviction for a state jail felony, which is generally punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years.
- An individual charged with promotion of prostitution or a second or third prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor, which is generally punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and/or a jail sentence up to one year.
- An individual charged with a first basic prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class B misdemeanor, which is generally punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and/or a jail sentence up to 180 days.
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Prostitution / Solicitation Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.