Dallas Prostitution Defense Attorney

A conviction for soliciting or committing the act of prostitution can follow you for life, negatively impacting your career, your employment prospects, your marriage and your reputation. In Texas, prostitution-related arrests are almost always the result of an undercover sting operation. In many cases, these arrests are made after one party simply agrees to exchange money for sex, which is still a criminal offense.

Getting charged or arrested for sex crimes in Texas can be a stressful and embarrassing situation, with the prospect of steep fines, jail time and probation. Under Texas Penal Code § 43.02, it is a crime to knowingly engage in or solicit sexual contact in a public location for a fee.

Prostitution defense attorney in Dallas, TX

If you have been arrested for engaging, promoting, compelling or soliciting a sex act in Texas, it’s imperative to hire a skilled prostitution defense lawyer like Jeff King who is familiar with the tactics employed by law enforcement to prosecute sex crimes. Using his vast experience in criminal defense, Jeff King works to protect your freedom and the long-range consequences of a sex offense conviction. If you have been charged as a first or second-time offender, Jeff King can investigate your case and develop effective defense strategies.

Texas prostitution laws and penalties

According to Texas Penal Code, it is a crime to:

• Offer to engage, agree to engage, or engage in sexual conduct; or
• Solicit another in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire

A criminal offense is established by either asking for or receiving a fee.

Prostitution penalties in Texas get harsher with each conviction. For example, a first-time offender convicted of soliciting or engaging in prostitution is charged with a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in prison and fines of up to $2,000.  Second and third-time offenders face a Class A misdemeanor, punishable with up to one year in jail and fines of $4,000. Three or more previous convictions will result in a state jail felony charge, punishable by up to two years in prison and fines not to exceed $10,000.

What should you do if you’ve been charged with soliciting prostitution?

If you have been charged with soliciting prostitution in Texas, it is critical to contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Jeff King has prevailed in some of the toughest cases involving sex crime charges in state and federal courts, and will outline your options for securing the best outcome possible.

The best criminal defense is a proactive one. Always seek guidance from your prostitution defense lawyer before speaking to Texas law enforcement, who often expect defendants to be ignorant about their basic rights. Even if it seems like your case is hopeless, Jeff King is well-versed in the possible defenses that can be used to protect your name and clear you of damaging charges.

Possible defenses to solicitation of prostitution include:

• Entrapment
• Lack of intent
• Lack of knowledge
• Defendant was under duress
• Violation of rights
• Lack of evidence

What are my rights if I’ve been charged with Prostitution?

Whether a prostitution arrest is the result of a police mistake, entrapment or a simple misunderstanding, such criminal charges need to be taken seriously.  However, in order for prosecutors to make a conviction in Texas, they are tasked with proving beyond a reasonable doubt that sex was performed/exchanged for money. With a zealous defense attorney at your side, prostitution charges may be reduced, dropped or thrown out.
Were your Miranda rights violated by the cops? Were you the victim of entrapment? Your sex crimes defense lawyer understands how devastating a prostitution charge is to your future and will do everything in his power to protect your freedom and reputation.

In Texas, those who are convicted of sex crimes face a number of hurdles, including residency restrictions, occupational restrictions and being included in the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. If you’ve been accused of or charged with prostitution crimes in Dallas, attorney Jeff King is prepared to help you navigate the criminal justice system.

Dallas sex crime defense lawyer

Don’t leave your freedom to chance — enlist the guidance and support of a seasoned trial lawyer who has successfully defended the most serious sex crime allegations. To request a free and confidential legal consultation about your case, please call the Dallas Law Office of Jeffery King today.

Additional Prostitution Defense Resources

• Prostitution.Procon.org, Prostitution Laws of Texas http://prostitution.procon.org/view.background-resource.php?resourceID=000764
• Texas Legislature, TITLE 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.43.htm\