Prostitution Lawyer
The state of Texas takes prostitution very seriously, recently changing the law to impose some of the harshest penalties on those convicted.
The prostitution lawyers at Paul Doyle & Associates understand what you are up against and will help you fight unjust charges.
Find out why you should schedule a consultation at our Houston, TX, firm today.
Aggressive Legal Representation
in Your Time of Need
The Penalties Are Severe
In 2021, Texas became the first state in the country to make solicitation of prostitution a felony. If convicted, you face harsh fines, jail time, and a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life. When the stakes are this high, having a reputable defense attorney on your side is truly invaluable.
The Law Is Complicated
It can be difficult to defend yourself against prostitution charges even if the case against you is weak. The law is written in a way that you can be charged with prostitution even if sexual acts never occurred and money never exchanged hands. Our attorneys understand the nuances of the Texas prostitution law and work hard to build the best possible defense for our clients.
Ensure the Best Outcome
Often, prostitution cases are high-profile and emotionally charged for those involved. Prosecutors are going to do whatever it takes to secure a conviction. Our lawyers have years of experience successfully fighting charges of prostitution and leading to dozens of case dismissals. We will guide you through every step of the process to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.
Trust Paul Doyle & Associates
Providing Quality Criminal Defense for the People of Houston
It can be risky to put your defense in the hands of a public defender who may not be able to give your case the attention it deserves. When your future is at stake, you need the help of a dependable private attorney. The team at Paul Doyle and Associates is known throughout the greater Houston region for first-rate legal representation. We will use all the resources at our disposal to build your defense and ensure you find justice. Schedule a free consultation today to speak to a lawyer. You can reach our office online or by calling:
(713) 228-9200
Texas Prostitution Crimes
Prostitution is the act of participating in or soliciting sexual acts with another person in exchange for money. It is a crime in Texas and the vast majority of the United States. The Texas penal code contains offenses for all types of prostitution, including:
Thousands of Arrests are Made Every Year
*According to data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program
Were you arrested for a prostitution-related offense?
Know Your Rights
There are several furtive tactics law enforcement officers use to make as many prostitution arrests as possible. By casting a wide net, it is possible to arrest and charge individuals who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Being accused of a crime does not mean you are guilty, and it does not change the fact that you have rights. Remember, you do not have to answer any questions without first consulting with an attorney.
If you are arrested and accused of a crime, the police are not there to protect you. It is their job to gather evidence and build a case against you. To ensure your rights are protected, you should contact our Houston law firm as soon as possible. Our lawyers work for you and your best interests alone. We will be available to answer your questions, explain all of your constitutional rights, and advise you on the best way to proceed.
New Laws Regarding Solicitation of Prostitution
On September 1, 2021, a new Texas law took effect that increased the penalty for solicitation of prostitution. Those convicted for a first-time offense no longer face a misdemeanor but the harsher penalties of a state jail felony. While state jail felonies are the lowest level of felony, they carry a possible sentence of 180 days to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
The new penalties only apply to acts committed after the law took effect. An offense committed before September 1, 2021, will be subject to the lesser misdemeanor charges in place prior to the amendments.
What Does This
Mean for You?
/
The new laws raise the stakes for those accused of soliciting or buying sex. It is now more important than ever to defend yourself as early and aggressively as possible. We encourage you to contact our Houston prostitution lawyers for a free consultation to protect yourself and avoid a conviction that will impact the rest of your life.
Speak to a Lawyer Today
If you have been accused of a prostitution-related offense, it is never too soon to speak to a lawyer. Our team will help you through every step of the legal process and provide invaluable counsel and guidance. Contact our Houston office to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team. You can reach us online or by calling:
(713) 228-9200
“Best attorney in the world, hands down best guy in the business.”
- L.B.
Recent Case Results
Understand Texas Prostitution Charges
| Offense | Aggravating Factors | Classification |
| Prostitution | None | Class B misdemeanor |
| 1-2 prior convictions | Class A misdemeanor | |
| 3 or more prior convictions | State jail felony |
| Offense | Aggravating Factors | Classification |
| Solicitation of prostitution | None | State jail felony |
| Prior convictions | Felony of the 3rd degree | |
| If the prostitute is under the age of 18 or believed to be under the age of 18 | Felony of the 2nd degree |
| Offense | Aggravating Factors | Classification |
| Promotion of prostitution | None | Felony of the 3rd degree |
| Prior convictions | Felony of the 2nd degree | |
| If the prostitute is under the age of 18 | Felony of the 1st degree |
| Offense | Aggravating Factors | Classification |
| Online promotion of prostitution | None | Felony of the 3rd degree |
| Prior convictions | Felony of the 2nd degree | |
| If the prostitute is under the age of 18 | Felony of the 2nd degree |
| Offense | Aggravating Factors | Classification |
| Aggravated promotion of prostitution | All offenses | Felony of the 1st degree |
| Offense | Aggravating Factors | Classification |
| Aggravated online promotion of prostitution | None | Felony of the 2nd degree |
| Prior convictions | Felony of the 1st degree | |
| If prostitutes are under the age of 18 | Felony of the 1st degree |
| Offense | Aggravating Factors | Classification |
| Compelling prostitution | All offenses | Felony of the 1st degree |
Defending a Prostitution Charge
There are several possible defenses for a prostitution charge. While the burden of proof rests on the prosecutors, our prostitution lawyers will develop a strong defense strategy to highlight the weakness in their case. Depending on the circumstances and evidence, your defense may include:
Entrapment
It is common practice for law enforcement to set up elaborate sting operations or send out undercover officers to catch individuals engaged in prostitution. However, we often find these stings are carried out with questionable ethics and legality. Entrapment is a valid defense if you were coerced into doing something illegal or were simply caught up in the sting as an innocent bystander.
Lack of Evidence
The prosecutors are responsible for the burden of proof in any criminal case. If law enforcement doesn't properly collect evidence or document the facts, their case against you is weak. A lack of trustworthy evidence is an opportunity for our lawyers to poke holes in the case against you and can even result in the complete dismissal of charges.
Duress
It is illegal to force someone to engage in prostitution. While these situations are rare, it is possible you committed a crime because you were under duress. If you felt threatened with physical harm if you did not engage in sexual conduct for a fee, you have a valid defense for prostitution charges.
Lack of Criminal Intent
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had criminal intent in order to secure a conviction. You may have had a conversation where prostitution was discussed but you never verbally agreed to engage in sexual acts for a fee. It is possible to show you had no intention of committing a crime as a defense.
No Money Exchanged
A sexual encounter between two consenting adults is legal. If you did not agree to pay another individual to engage in sexual conduct for a fee and money never exchanged hands, it is possible to show your actions were completely lawful and no crime was committed.
Due Process
If your constitutional rights were violated in the process of your arrest, the prosecution may not have a case against you. One common example is failure to inform you of your Miranda rights. Our lawyers will fully investigate the ethics of law enforcement and defend you if rights to due process were violated in any way.
Knowledge and Passion for Defense
A good defense requires more than an understanding of criminal law. It requires the resources and dedication of a firm like Paul Doyle & Associates. If you have been accused of buying sex or another prostitution-related crime, it is important to protect yourself as aggressively as possible. Our defense work has led to cases being dropped and even the termination of law enforcement employees.
Contact our Houston prostitution attorneys soon as possible to protect your rights. You can schedule a free consultation and case evaluation at our office online or by calling:
(713) 228-9200
Hear From Our Clients
"Paul went above and beyond proving my innocence , he made the impossible a reality when the stakes were at there highest. He will be one of the greatest criminal defense attorneys in Houston, TX in time ."
— CHRIS GROVES, 2021, 5-Star Review
Additional Consequences for Sex Crimes
Several criminal offenses fall into a category known as sex crimes. People convicted of sex crimes are often required to submit their information to the Texas Sex Offender Registry.
While you may have been treated with leniency if convicted of a misdemeanor prostitution offense, the new Texas laws increase the penalties for most charges to felony level. If convicted of any of these prostitution crimes, you are looking at 10 years to life on the sex offender registry.
As you can imagine, status as a registered sex offender can have devastating consequences on your career and personal relationships. Your best chance of avoiding the registry is with the help of our Houston lawyers. We have successfully defended clients accused of prostitution-related offenses so they can move on and live a normal life.
Can I avoid these penalties?
Possible Outcomes in Your Case
The goal of our Houston prostitution attorneys is to get the charges against you dropped and your case dismissed. This has occurred in a number of our past cases, and we will use this experience to do the same for you. However, there are several other potential outcomes that are preferable to a conviction. Our lawyers might be able to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charges and penalties in your case. If we are unable to negotiate a fair deal, we are fully prepared to see your case through a trial and argue for acquittal from a jury.
Trust that our team will do everything in our power to achieve a fair resolution in your case. While the criminal justice system may not seem fair in a time like this, it is our job to protect your rights.
"Paul Doyle is one of the best trial lawyers in Texas. Not only was he successful dealing with my situation he has consistently produced fantastic results to those that I have referred to him."
— Mike, 2017, 5-Star Review
“I only associate with the best and in my opinion Paul is one of the best in the criminal arena. That is why I hired him, and my firm uses him for criminal matters.” Tony Buzbee
