Prostitution
Prostitution, promotion of prostitution, and solicitation of prostitution are heavily enforced criminal offenses which has led to many people, both guilty and innocent, being arrested and charged with the crime in the Austin area. Although the offense is said to be one of the world’s oldest professions, if you agree to sex in exchange for money and are arrested, you’ll be prosecuted for the crime in a Travis County courtroom.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski is a full-service Austin criminal law firm focused on defending people accused of misdemeanor and felony criminal sex offenses. If you’re facing criminal charges for prostitution in Austin, or have a loved one who is, contact Austin criminal defense lawyer Jackson F. Gorski immediately.
Austin Prostitution Defense Attorney, TX
If you have been arrested for any prostitution-related offense in Texas, your future is at stake.
Sex crime charges carry life-altering consequences. The negative stigma associated with it can be even more damaging, leading to job loss, inability to obtain loans, and even distance from family. Do not waste any more time and retain the experienced legal counsel of an Austin sex crime defense attorney as soon as possible.
At The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski, Travis County sex crimes defense attorney Jackson F. Gorski is dedicated to defending those charged or accused of sex crimes throughout the state of Texas. He can fight aggressively on your behalf and obtain the best outcome possible for your prostitution case. Allow him to find applicable defenses to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski represents clients in Austin, TX and nearby communities including Jollyville, Lockhart, Kyle, Georgetown, Round Rock, Anderson Mill, Cedar Park, San Marcos, Seguin, and Canyon Lake.
Information Center
Is Prostitution Legal in Texas?
No, prostitution is prohibited in the State of Texas. According to Texas Penal Code 43.02, an individual can be charged with prostitution if he or she knowingly offers or agrees to receive a fee from another to engage in sexual conduct. Someone who violates this statute can be guilty of a class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
The penalties for a prostitution crime increase to a class A misdemeanor if the defendant has previously been convicted one or two times of the offense. If convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, the defendant can face up to 12 months in jail and up to $4,000 in fines.
When the defendant has a least three prior convictions for prostitution, he or she can face a state jail felony, which is punishable by up to two years in state jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Solicitation of Prostitution in TX
Texas also defines the solicitation of prostitution as a criminal act. Under TX Penal Code 43.03, an individual commits the offense 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.
Texas prostitution laws were changed on September 1, 2021. Before this date, solicitation of prostitution was classified as a class B misdemeanor. In a bid to combat the rising sex trafficking in Texas, the state has become the first state to make solicitation of prostitution a felony.
The new Texas prostitution laws now mean steeper fines and increases in imprisonment: Penalties for the crime include the following:
- First conviction for solicitation of prostitution – State jail felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 2 years in jail
- Second conviction for solicitation of prostitution – Third degree felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 10 years in jail
- Soliciting someone under the age of 18 – Second degree felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison
Additional Resources
Texas Penal Code: Prostitution Laws – Click the link to access the Texas Penal Code which discusses the prostitution crime in section 43.02. The webpage contains all the rules and regulations pertaining to the sexual offense.
Texas Sex Offender Registration Program – Access the official website for the Texas Department of Public Safety to read about the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. The webpage explains what the program consists of and includes a link to the Sex Offender Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
Travis County Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer, TX
Travis County courts are tough for offenders charged with prostitution related offenses. The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski understands that just because a person is charged with a crime doesn’t mean they’re guilty. In fact, our legal system is predicated on that notion.
If you have been arrested for prostitution or solicitation of prostitution, contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski at 512-960-4646 to schedule a consultation as soon as possible. Regardless of the particulars of the incident, there’s a defense for you. Even if you’re guilty as charged, it doesn’t guarantee nor should it imply that you are convictable or that Travis County prosecutors have a good case against you.
The sex crime lawyers at The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski represent clients in Travis County, TX and surrounding areas including Williamson, Bell, Bastrop, Lee, Milam, Burnett, Blanco, Hays and Caldwell.
