If you’re a defendant who has been arrested for prostitution in Fort Worth, TX, you may be feeling incredibly anxious. These charges can have social consequences and disrupt many parts of your life, from work to your personal relationships. Having an attorney who knows how these cases work can help you understand your options and give you a chance of beating your charges.
If you have questions about a criminal matter in Fort Worth, TX, Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to assist. Our Fort Worth prostitution attorneys have 60 years of combined experience and know how to fight back against even the most serious charges in the law. Call (682) 777-3336 or contact us today for a free consultation.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if You’re Arrested for Prostitution in Fort Worth, Texas
If you’re facing prostitution charges in Fort Worth, working with a defense attorney who understands this area of law is essential. Here’s how our Fort Worth sex crimes lawyers can help:
- Our team challenges questionable evidence and works to suppress statements or information that may have been collected unlawfully.
- We help you understand the potential consequences and explore every option, including plea deals and other alternatives that may keep a conviction off your record.
- If necessary, we will litigate your case at trial and present the strongest defense to try to avoid a conviction.
Facing these charges can be overwhelming, but working with a qualified legal professional should help ease some of your concerns. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced prostitution attorney in Fort Worth, Texas.
Overview of Prostitution in Texas
In Texas, you can be arrested for prostitution and related charges in many different situations. Here are some examples of how you can end up facing charges:
Engaging in or Soliciting Prostitution
It’s against the law to offer or agree to exchange sexual acts for money or anything of value. Even just asking someone about the price of these services, or approaching others in public with an offer or request, can lead to an arrest. Both the person making the offer and the person seeking services can be charged.
Promotion of Prostitution (Pimping)
If someone is accused of benefiting from, arranging, or overseeing prostitution, they can be charged with promoting prostitution. This could mean accepting payment from someone involved in prostitution, or managing or controlling individuals who engage in it.
Compelling Prostitution
This is a more serious offense that involves pressuring or causing someone to participate in prostitution. It becomes especially serious when the person being pressured is under 18 years old. In these cases, the law treats it as a crime even if the defendant didn’t know the minor’s actual age.
No matter what charge you’re facing, it’s important to get legal help right away.
What Are the Penalties for Prostitution in Fort Worth, Texas?
Facing prostitution charges in Fort Worth can be incredibly serious, and the consequences depend on whether someone has prior convictions or if a minor is involved.
First Offense – Class B Misdemeanor
If this is your first time being charged with prostitution, it’s usually charged as a Class B misdemeanor. You could face up to six months in jail and a fine of $2,000.
Second and Third Offense – Class A Misdemeanor
A second prostitution-related offense is treated more seriously. You could receive up to a year behind bars and fines up to $4,000.
Fourth Offense – State Jail Felony
A third arrest for prostitution bumps the charge to a state jail felony. Sentencing can range from six months to two years in a state jail, and fines may reach $10,000.
The penalties can go up from here substantially, depending on the exact charges and facts of the case. For instance, compelling prostitution of a minor can lead to first-degree felony charges and anywhere from 5 to 99 years in prison.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Prostitution in Fort Worth?
If you’ve been arrested for prostitution, there are some legal defenses that can be used. Below are some of the most common ones:
- You may be able to show that you were targeted by law enforcement and argue entrapment, meaning you were pressured or persuaded to do something you would not have done on your own.
- You could argue that what happened was a misunderstanding or miscommunication and you had no intent to exchange money for sexual conduct.
- Evidence and statements from the arrest could be challenged if your rights were violated.
- In some situations, a mistaken identity defense might be possible. Your lawyer can argue that officers arrested the wrong person. Witness statements and video footage can be helpful when using this defense.
Working with a lawyer is the best way to figure out which defense makes the most sense for your situation.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Fort Worth Prostitution Attorneys
A prostitution charge can leave you feeling exposed and uncertain about what comes next. It’s normal to have questions about your future, your reputation, and how this situation might affect you and those around you.
No matter how challenging things seem right now, having someone on your side who understands what you’re facing can make a really big difference. Reaching out for help is the first step. Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth prostitution attorney.
