The Houston Police Department released a statement October 26 regarding the arrest of 139 men, including a Houston police officer, for the act of soliciting a prostitute. These men were arrested as part of a 10-day sting operated by the vice division in which a formerly shuttered brothel was opened on October 6 as a brothel called the 8 Star Spa. Officers posed as employees to secure the arrests.
If you are facing prostitution charges, contact Houston defense attorney Matthew D. Sharp today
The mug shots of all 139 men were subsequently released for publication in an attempt to deter future illegal sex trade buyers. Art Acevedo, Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department, stated, “These men should be ashamed.”
These men should be defended by an attorney. An experienced prostitution lawyer in Houston can help defend those arrested in a lawful sting operation. Texas prostitution laws define this type of activity as an attempt to pay another person to perform sexual favors. For first convictions, solicitation of prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $2,000 fine and/or a 180-day jail sentence. Prior convictions increase the severity of the punishment significantly.
In Texas, the key to whether or not someone is guilty of soliciting prostitution is whether or not the person paid someone to perform a sexual favor and attempted to follow through with the sexual act with that person. A Houston prostitution lawyer will analyze the arrest report of a client and determine the best defense against the charges placed.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with this crime, a crucial first step is consulting an experienced Houston prostitution attorney for guidance through the criminal justice system. Contact the Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp at 713-868-6100 to schedule an initial case evaluation as soon as possible.
