Houston Prostitute Solicitation Lawyers :: The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp
Prostitution involves performing sexual acts in exchange for money or other items of value. In Texas, others besides the one who actually performs the sex act can be charged as well. These individuals could be guilty of solicitation of prostitution, which involves seeking out another person to perform sex for hire.
Section 43.02 of the Texas Penal Code makes it illegal for someone to solicit a prostitute to engage with him or her in sexual conduct for hire.
On September 1, 2021, Texas became the first state to make prostitution solicitation a felony. Prior to this law, soliciting a prostitution was a Class B misdemeanor. Now under Texas Penal Code §43.021, those who solicit a prostitute will be charged with a state jail felony. If the solicitation involves a minor, the felony becomes a second degree felony.
Arrested for soliciting prostitution?
A strong defense by a reputable Houston criminal defense lawyer can be the key to your best possible outcome.
Attorney Matthew D. Sharp
Being charged or accused of a crime is a frightening experience, especially when the allegation is false.
I believe everyone deserves a second chance. My job is to defend YOU.
Results Matter.
My results-driven approach means I can bring invaluable insights from past victories to help in your case.
State of Texas v. JB
Sexual Assault
Harris County Court – Jury trial
Not Guilty
State of Texas v. JP
Prostitution
Harris County Court
Pretrial Intervention
State of Texas v. MS
Prostitution & unlawful carrying of a weapon
Harris County Court – Jury trial
Not Guilty
(ON BOTH CHARGES)
Testimonials
I believe clients should be #1. Read my testimonials to see what past clients have said.
Highly Recommend Matthew Sharp
I needed legal representation immediately. It was an incredibly sensitive matter. Mr. Sharp met with me and provided exactly what we agreed upon. I was in a major bind and he proceeded to assure me that my situation was one that he would handle and keep my exposure at a minimum. I was pleased with the final outcome that he negotiated for me. If you find yourself in need of an attorney, I highly recommend Matthew Sharp.
Rod P Texas
Solicitation of a Prostitute Penalties
Soliciting another to commit prostitution is now a felony under Texas law. The penalties for felony sex crimes are serious and they should be taken very seriously.
The consequences for soliciting a prostitute include:
- Up to 2 years in state prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Probation or house arrest in lieu of jail time
- Community service
For a second conviction or first conviction of soliciting a minor, the charge is aggravated to a third-degree felony. Penalties for such crimes include 2 to 10 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
In addition to criminal sanctions, being charged with a sexual offense such as prostitution solicitation can be socially embarrassing. It could also cause strife among family members, especially if the person being accused is married. Even so, being found guilty of this crime will not necessarily result in mandatory sex offender registry.
Defenses Against Solicitation Allegations
In order to bring about charges for soliciting prostitution, the state of Texas will have to show that an individual knowingly solicited another to perform sex acts. In doing so, the government will also need to show that money or certain items of value were offered in exchange for these acts. If they are unable to do so, a prostitution solicitation attorney may ask for charges to dropped or reduced.
Prosecutors will also need to prove that a solicitation crime occurred in public. Under Texas law, a “public place” is defined as one to which the public (or certain members of the public) would have had access to at the time the crime was committed. Hotels are considered public areas, and individual rooms inside a hotel are also considered to be public because they can be rented by others.
Free E-book
8 Ways a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Your Case
Unsure where to go for help after getting arrested? Learn more about how hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney will help your chances at freedom.
Talk to Prostitution Solicitation Lawyers in Houston, TX
Houston solicitation of prostitution attorney Matthew Sharp will remain non-judgmental while preparing your defense. This lawyer is skilled at examining the evidence presented by the state of Texas in order to ensure it meets the burden of proof required.
He will aggressively fight to assert your innocence so that you can quickly get your life back on track. For a free consultation and review of your solicitation case, give The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp a call today at 713-868-6100.
