Solicitation of Prostitution
Prostitution Solicitation Defense in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
“Solicitation of prostitution” is a criminal law term used to refer to a variety of illegal actions. Although this term most commonly refers to the act of paying someone for sexual favors, it can refer to other illegal sexual activities as well.
A charge of illegal solicitation can be filed for almost any activity related to the crime of prostitution. This charge can be filed against a person accused of hiring a prostitute or against a sex worker who seeks to provide sexual favors in exchange for money. Understanding the complexity of this particular criminal charge can help someone who has been accused of prostitution solicitation to protect their rights.
What Does It Mean to Hire a Prostitute?
According to the Texas Penal Code, to solicit a prostitute is to attempt, whether successful or not, to pay for sexual activity or sexual favors. However, some other actions can be prosecuted under the charge of paying for sex:
- Solicitation crime: This crime generally refers to the behavior of a person who tries to get another person to agree to engage in sex for money. For example, if a person approaches another individual and offers to pay them for sex, that action may be considered a solicitation crime.
- Engaging in prostitution: This charge is often filed against someone who has been caught in the act of paying for sex or against a prostitute who has accepted money in exchange for sex. This charge often arises as the result of a prostitution sting set up by the police. For example, police officers may observe a known prostitute and then arrest or detain someone who has apparently paid that prostitute for sex.
- Soliciting another to commit prostitution: Pimps and madams, or persons who coerce others into engaging in prostitution, are often charged with this kind of solicitation crime. If someone coerces or persuades another individual to offer sex in exchange for money or property, the person who is responsible for arranging the encounter could face sex crimes charges.
In September 2021, Texas passed a new prostitution law that turns the crime of solicitation from a misdemeanor to a state jail felony, even on the first offense. The penalties also include up to 2 years in state prison and heavy fines up to $10,000.
Defending Against One’s Prostitution Solicitation Charges
To defend against an accusation of prostitution promotion or solicitation, it is always advisable to seek the services of a solicitation of prostitution attorney. A criminal defense lawyer who specializes in defending people who have been charged with this crime will have the skills necessary to prepare a good defense strategy and keep you from facing felony charges.
For example, a prostitution solicitation lawyer can argue that the defendant did not willfully engage in purchasing a prostitute because they were misled by the other party. This can occur if a sex worker engages in intercourse with a client without letting them know that money would be demanded afterwards.
Also, a solicitation of prostitution lawyer can try to show that there is insufficient evidence to link the defendant to the crime, as in a case of mistaken identity.
Get Help From a Solicitation of Prostitution Attorney in Houston, TX
For more information about legal defenses for solicitation charges, get in touch with The Law Office of Greg Tsioros at (832) 752-5972.