How A Fort Worth Prostitution Lawyer Can Defend You

Prostitution is a serious offense in Fort Worth, TX. If you are facing related charges, it is important to seek legal help from a skilled lawyer. A misdemeanor offense for prostitution can lead to fines and even jail time. Moreover, repeat convictions for prostitution can result in severe penalties and may have long-lasting consequences for an individual’s personal and professional life.

A Fort Worth prostitution lawyer can provide essential legal representation to help minimize the consequences of such charges. Your attorney can help you understand your charges and build a defense strategy for your case. Read on to explore the various defenses against prostitution charges and how a prostitution attorney can help protect your rights.

What Is Considered Prostitution Under Texas Law?

Prostitution is a criminal offense that is defined under Texas Penal Code §43.02. This law outlines two ways in which a person can commit the Class B misdemeanor crime of prostitution. The first is if a person offers, agrees to engage in, or engages in sexual conduct for a fee. The second is if it can be proven that someone committed the previous actions based on a receipt of payment already made. The key distinction between the two forms of prostitution is that in the first instance, a person can commit the crime of prostitution without actually receiving or being offered any money.

Take note that prostitution is not limited to the exchange of money for sexual favors. It can also include the exchange of drugs, goods, or other services in exchange for sexual conduct. This is why individuals who engage in such conduct can be charged with this crime, regardless of the form of payment.

As a Class B misdemeanor offense, a conviction on prostitution charges in Fort Worth could lead to a maximum fine of $2,000. It can also result in a maximum jail term of 180 days. 

A prostitution attorney can potentially help minimize any consequences for a first-time prostitution conviction. With their legal knowledge, they may negotiate with the prosecution to avoid jail time or obtain a more lenient sentence. A criminal defense attorney can also help their client understand their legal rights and provide guidance throughout the legal process.

Related Prostitution Offenses Under Texas Penal Code

Prostitution is a serious crime in Texas, and the state’s penal code includes several laws that govern prostitution-related offenses. One of these laws is Penal Code 43.03. This code makes it illegal for anyone to promote prostitution by sharing in the proceeds of the act. This offense is commonly known as “pimping.”

Depending on the circumstances, it can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony. If the offense involves minors, it is considered a second-degree felony, regardless of the alleged offender’s knowledge of the victim’s age.

Aggravated Promotion Of Prostitution

Another related offense is the aggravated promotion of prostitution, which is covered under Penal Code 43.04. This offense occurs when a person owns, invests in, controls, finances, manages, or supervises a prostitution enterprise with more than one prostitute. Depending on the case, aggravated promotion of prostitution can be classified as a first-degree or third-degree felony.

Offense Involving Minors

Any offense involving minors is considered a third-degree felony. An offense involving enterprises that use one or more underage prostitutes is considered a first-degree felony. Regardless of the offender’s knowledge of their age.

Compelling Prostitution

The Penal Code 43.05 covers the offense of compelling prostitution. This offense occurs when a person uses force, threats, or fraud to make another person engage in prostitution. It also applies to situations where a person causes a minor to engage in prostitution. 

Depending on the specific circumstances of the offense, compelling prostitution can be classified as a first-degree or second-degree felony. Offenses involving persons over the age of 18 are considered second-degree felonies. On the other hand, such offenses involving minors belong to first-degree felonies. Remember that all of these offenses carry serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

Penalties For Prostitution Charges In Fort Worth

Prostitution charges can lead to serious consequences and the potential punishments for a conviction increase with each subsequent offense. A second or third offense can lead to a Class A misdemeanor. It carries a maximum fine of $4,000 and a jail term of up to one year. 

However, the penalties for a fourth prostitution conviction are much more severe. It is considered a state jail felony. This means that you could face up to two years of imprisonment in a state jail and up to $10,000 in fines. It is essential to understand the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences to avoid further convictions.

If you are arrested for prostitution or related charges, your case will be heard in the County Criminal Courts. If the charges are felony-level, the case will go through an indictment process and be assigned to a Criminal District Court. It is common for alleged offenders to attend court on several occasions before the case is resolved. Your lawyer can negotiate your case with the prosecutors. If a deal is not reached, the case will proceed to trial.

Remember that subsequent convictions for prostitution can have long-lasting consequences beyond just the legal penalties. A criminal record for prostitution can impact a person’s ability to find employment, housing, and other opportunities. Moreover, a prostitution conviction can have a negative impact on personal relationships and one’s reputation in the community.

Potential Defenses Against Prostitution Charges

If you are facing prostitution charges, you should understand that there may be possible defenses available to you. While prostitution is a crime, there are two statutory affirmative defenses that may help a defendant facing prostitution charges.

One of these defenses is if the defendant is a victim of human trafficking. If a person is coerced into prostitution against their will, they may be considered a victim of human trafficking. In this case, a prostitution lawyer could use this defense as grounds to argue for a dismissal of charges. 

Another affirmative defense against prostitution is coercion. These include being coerced by force, the threat of force, or induced by fraud to commit an act of prostitution. For example, if a person is threatened or forced into prostitution by a pimp, they can use this as a defense.

Remember that these defenses may not be applicable to all cases. The circumstances of each case will determine whether or not these strategies can be used. A Fort Worth prostitution attorney can help determine if any other defenses may be available based on the facts and circumstances of a case.

If you are facing prostitution charges in Fort Worth, it’s crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also provide guidance and representation to potentially minimize the consequences of a prostitution charge. By working with an experienced lawyer, you may be able to avoid a conviction or achieve a favorable outcome in your case.

Why You Need A Fort Worth Prostitution Lawyer

If you are facing prostitution charges, it’s crucial to seek the help of a prostitution lawyer. While it may be tempting to plead guilty to avoid the hassle brought by prostitution charges, this may not be in your best interest. A prostitution conviction can have severe consequences, including fines, jail time, and damage to your reputation.

One of the primary reasons you need a prostitution attorney to help you is to challenge the charges. Many innocent people are falsely accused of prostitution. Without a skilled attorney on your side, it can be challenging to defend yourself against these charges. A lawyer can help you build a strong defense and challenge the evidence presented against you. 

Another reason is for your prostitution lawyer to negotiate a lesser charge. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution to avoid a prostitution conviction. Your attorney can help you navigate this process and potentially secure a more favorable outcome for your case.

Ultimately, a prostitution attorney can help you make informed decisions about your case. They can explain the legal process to you and help you understand your legal rights and options. Moreover, a skilled criminal defense attorney can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, helping you make the best possible decisions for your future.

A charge for prostitution is a serious matter. A conviction can remain on your criminal record permanently—not to mention jail time and fines could greatly disrupt your day-to-day life. If you are facing prostitution charges, seek help from a prostitution lawyer from The Medlin Law Firm. They can advocate your rights and fight for your best interests.

Summary

Prostitution is a serious offense in Fort Worth, with severe consequences upon conviction. There are various laws and codes that govern such offenses, including promoting prostitution and compelling prostitution. Various defenses against these charges may be available depending on the circumstances of each case. 

If facing prostitution charges, it’s crucial to work with an experienced lawyer to establish defense strategies and achieve a favorable outcome. They can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process.