Austin Prostitution Lawyer

Defending Against Prostitution Charges in Texas

Being arrested or charged with prostitution can be a terrifying, intimidating, and sometimes embarrassing situation to have to deal with, but you do not have to face it alone. We here at Smith & Vinson want to help you navigate the judicial system and help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible for your case. Our hope is that by providing you with some answers to the most commonly asked questions about prostitution arrests, we can reduce some of the stress and anxiety you are probably feeling.

We are available to take your calls and give you a free consultation. Call our Austin prostitution defense lawyers today at (512) 359-3743.

What Are Prostitution Offenses in Texas?

This can and does vary from state to state but generally, the prostitution laws are vaguely defined. Therefore, often behavior you may have believed to be legal is often included. In Texas, prostitution is generally defined as paying for sexual conduct, being paid to engage in sexual conduct, or soliciting sexual conduct. A common misconception we hear a lot is that it is illegal for cops to “entrap” someone engaging in prostitution. Unfortunately, in most of these scenarios, the entrapment defense is most likely unavailable because entrapment requires an element of coercion or that the defendant was induced to commit a crime they were not going to commit. You will need to speak to one of our qualified Austin prostitution defense attorneys to see if entrapment is a defense available to you.

Compelling Prostitution Charge in Texas

If you are charged with compelling prostitution, penalties can include registering as a sex offender and up to twenty years in state prison. What is compelling prostitution? In Texas, compelling prostitution is where a defendant is charged with “pimping” for another person and it does not require the use of coercion or force. If you or a loved one is charged with compelling prostitution it is paramount that they get legal advice from experienced Austin prostitution defense attorneys as soon as possible.

What are the Penalties for Prostitution in Texas?

According to Texas law, prostitution is charged as a Class B misdemeanor. The penalties for this include:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Fines up to $2,000

For a second or third prostitution offense, this may be considered a Class A misdemeanor with the following penalties:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $4,000

A fourth offense, the charge will be a state jail felony with penalties including:

• Between 6 months to 2 years in state jail
• Fines up to $10,000

Do I Need a Prostitution Defense Attorney in Austin, TX?

Yes, if you can in any way afford to hire a lawyer, you should. One of our Austin prostitution lawyers may be able to get your charges reduced or potentially even dismissed saving you thousands of dollars and even time in jail. Hiring a qualified lawyer is the single best thing you can do to protect your future. Our lawyers can explain the system to you and relieve your stress and anxiety about dealing with the justice system. We have many options available and will work with you to try and find a financing option that works for your unique situation.

What to Expect for a First-Time Prostitution Offense?

Most likely after a first-time prostitution charge, you will be taken into custody, arrested, and either a bond will be set or the judge will release you on your own recognizance. If a bond is set you or a family member will need to make arrangements to pay the bond or hire a bonding agent. These are things our knowledgeable Austin prostitution defense attorneys can help you or your family with. We can refer you to a reputable, and easy to work with, bonding agent to make sure you can get yourself or your loved one out of custody as quickly as possible.

We understand that being charged with prostitution is scary and can feel at times overwhelming, do not let your fear or embarrassment stop you from getting the legal advice you need to protect you and your future.