Prostitution
In Montgomery County, allegations of
prostitution or solicitation often stem from intricate sting operations
conducted by Texas law enforcement. These operations target adult
entertainment clubs, massage parlors, escort services and other adult
establishments. In addition, law enforcement frequently operate reverse
sting operations by having an undercover police officer pose as a street
walker or call girl. Prostitution or solicitation charges can result in
serious penalties and consequences, including public embarrassment,
jail or prison sentences, a criminal record and/or hefty fines.
Keep in mind that before you can be
convicted of this crime of moral turpitude the state prosecutor must
prove to a judge or jury every element of your alleged prostitution or
solicitation offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Against an experienced
defense attorney, it can be very hard for a prosecutor to meet this
burden of proof at trial, and if the judge or jury has any reasonable
doubt you committed every element of the offense, you could be found not
guilty or the prosecutor could dismiss or reduce the charges prior to
trial. Therefore, it is crucial to retain an experienced criminal
defense attorney who can craft the best possible defense strategy for
your case.
Conroe Prostitution Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with the criminal offense of prostitution or solicitation in Montgomery (Conroe), Harris county (Houston), Waller (Hempstead), Liberty (City of Liberty), Fort Bend (Richmond), Brazoria (Angleton), Galveston (City of Galveston) or Washington (Brenham), contact James G. Sullivan and Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428. Attorney James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced trial lawyer who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.
James Sullivan graduated from the
Trial Lawyers College founded by Legendary lawyer Gerry Spence. Sullivan has a
proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and
countries in courts throughout Texas.
Montgomery County Prostitution Offenses
Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.02, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:
1) Offers to engage in, agrees to engage in or engages in sexual conduct for a fee; or
2) Solicits another person in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire.
1) Offers to engage in, agrees to engage in or engages in sexual conduct for a fee; or
2) Solicits another person in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire.
Promotion of Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.03, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:
1) Receive money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or
2) Solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.
1) Receive money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or
2) Solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.
Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
– According to Texas Penal Code § 43.04, a person commits this offense
if he knowingly owns, invests in, controls, supervises or manages a
prostitution enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes.
Compelling Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.05, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:
1) Causes another by force, threat or fraud to commit prostitution; or
2) Causes by any means a child younger than 18 years to commit prostitution, regardless of whether that person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense.
2) Causes by any means a child younger than 18 years to commit prostitution, regardless of whether that person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense.
Prostitution Penalties in Montgomery County
Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code
defines the penalties for prostitution and solicitation offenses. These
penalties can vary depending on the age of the individual involved in
the offense, the type of offense and whether or not the accused has any
prior convictions. In Texas, the possible punishments for prostitution
and solicitation offenses are:
- A person charged with compelling prostitution of a child under the age of 18 can face a conviction for a felony of the first degree, which is usually punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five years to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- A person charged with any other compelling prostitution offense or solicitation of a child under the age of 14 can face a conviction for a felony of the second degree, which is usually punishable by two years to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- A person charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution or solicitation of a person between the ages of 14 and 17 can face a conviction for a felony of the third degree, which is usually punishable by two years to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- A person charged with a fourth or subsequent conviction for a prostitution offense can face a conviction for a state jail felony, which is usually punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a state jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years.
- A person charged with promotion of prostitution or a second or third prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor, which is usually punishable by jail sentence up to one year and/or a fine up to $4,000.
- A person charged with a first prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class B misdemeanor, which is usually punishable by jail sentence up to 180 days and/or a fine up to $2,000.
James G. Sullivan and Associates | Conroe Texas Solicitation Attorney
Contact James G. Sullivan and Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free initial consultation about your prostitution or solicitation charges in counties throughout southeast Texas, including Montgomery, Harris, Waller, Liberty, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston and Washington. Attorney James Sullivan is an experienced Conroe sex crimes attorney who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.