Solicitation is Now a Felony in Texas
A new prostitution law took effect on September 1, 2021, which made Texas the first state in America to turn soliciting prostitution into a felony. Soliciting prostitution was originally a class B misdemeanor, but now with the new legislation the crime is classified as a state jail felony.
The law was implemented to combat human trafficking as unfortunately it has been a serious issue in the state of Texas for several years. Counselors at Texas’ Open Arms Rape Crisis Center hope the state’s new prostitution law will now decrease the number of human trafficking and prostitution cases.
If you’ve been arrested for soliciting a prostitute, it’s important to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately. Contact Horak Law today to have attorney Matthew Horak discuss your case.
Houston Prostitution Defense Lawyer | New Solicitation Laws, TX
If you have been charged with prostitution or soliciting a prostitute, you don’t have to go through it alone. Criminal defense lawyer Matthew Horak at Horak Law has spent the last 17 years representing countless Texans charged with sex crimes. You will not be the exception. He will utilize his knowledge to fight for your rights.
To obtain a favorable outcome in your case, contact Horak Law today. Mr. Horak and his legal team serve clients in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas including Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, and Waller Counties. Call (713) 225-8000 to secure a free, initial consultation.
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Solicitation Felony Texas
In Texas, sex crimes are aggressively prosecuted and this includes prostitution. According to Texas Penal Code 43.02, prostitution occurs when an individual knowingly offers or agrees to receive a fee from another to engage in sexual conduct. Under Texas Penal Code 43.021, a person commits solicitation of prostitution if he or she knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.
Prior to the new law that went into effect in September, the crime of soliciting prostitution was classified as a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines. If the defendant was convicted for a second time, he or she would face a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and up to $4,000 in fines.
Under the new law, however, Texans charged with solicitation of prostitution will now face a state jail felony. Upon a first conviction, the defendant will experience up to 2 years of imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. A second conviction means your charges will be reclassified to a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Common Sex Crimes in Texas
Obtaining experienced skilled legal representation after an accusation is imperative. If you are currently facing sex crime charges, you need an attorney that is experienced in criminal defense. Aside from prostitution, Horak Law has years of experience defending those arrested for sexual offenses including, but not limited to:
- Continuous Sexual Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Public Lewdness
- Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
- Obscene Distribution or Display
- Sexual Assault (Rape)
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Statutory Rape
- Federal Sex Crimes
- Aggravated Kidnapping
- Prohibited Sexual Conduct
- Molestation
- Obscenity
Additional Resources for Prostitution in Texas
Texas Penal Code: Crime Punishments – Click the link to visit the official website for the Texas Penal Code. The webpage offers a classification of offenses, classification of misdemeanors, and classification of felonies.
Texas Penal Code: Prostitution Offense – Visit the official website for the Texas Penal Code which provides information on the prostitution offense and its penalties. Follow the link to view how Texas law constitutes the crime.
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault – Follow the link to visit the official website for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA). TAASA is dedicated to eliminating sexual violence in Texas. The webpage offers survivor stories, resources, and ways Texans can get involved with the organization.
TAASA
7700 Chevy Chase Dr, Suite 230
Austin, TX 78752
Phone: 512-474-7190
Solicitation of Prostitution Attorney, Woodlands TX
If you or someone you know is currently facing prostitution charges, it’s imperative that you contact a skilled sex crime defense lawyer as soon as possible. Matthew Horak at Horak Law is experienced in defending clients who have been charged with sex crimes including public lewdness, statutory rape, indecent exposure, and child pornography, just to name a few.
Prostitution is prosecuted harshly under Texas law, and no individual should remain unrepresented when facing such a serious charge. Call (713) 225-8000 to schedule a free, initial consultation with criminal defense lawyer Matthew Horak. He will act as a trusted confident for you and help reduce the gravity of your charges.
Horak Law represents individuals in Texas including Fort Bend, Beasley, Richmond, Wallis, Missouri City, Alvin, Pearland, Cypress, Humble, Katy, and Tomball, amongst others.
