Texas Prostitution Defense Attorney
In Texas, prostitution is a criminal offense under Texas law. You can be charged even if no money is exchanged—just agreeing to sexual conduct for a fee may be enough. This broad legal standard leads to many people being falsely accused based on misunderstandings or aggressive police tactics.
Our experienced Texas prostitution defense lawyers are committed to setting the record straight. We’ve represented many people facing false accusations and helped them get their lives back on track. These cases can move quickly, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Early action can make a real difference in protecting your future.
Are you facing false allegations of prostitution or solicitation in Texas? Our legal team will fight to defend you. Call (713) 783-8998 now to speak with our experienced prostitution defense attorneys in Texas.
How Our Texas Prostitution Defense Lawyers Can Help
Prostitution charges in Texas can have serious long-term effects, even if the case doesn’t result in a conviction. An arrest alone can damage your reputation, your relationships, and your career. That’s why it’s important to have experienced legal help from the start. At Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we approach every case with a clear plan and the tools to push back.
We Get the Full Picture
Before we act, we take the time to understand what really happened. A charge doesn’t always reflect the facts. Arrests are often based on misleading interactions, online communication, or assumptions made during police operations. We look at every detail and ask the right questions to understand your side of the story.
We Examine the Evidence
Prostitution cases usually rely on specific forms of proof—recorded conversations, text messages, surveillance, or officer testimony. We know what to look for. Our legal team reviews all the evidence closely to find mistakes, inconsistencies, or violations of your rights. If something doesn’t add up, we bring it to light.
We Communicate With the Prosecutor
Having an experienced attorney speak on your behalf can change the direction of a case. We talk directly with the prosecutor, lay out the problems with the evidence, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges whenever possible.
We won’t push you into a deal that doesn’t serve your best interest, but if a resolution is possible, we’ll explain your options clearly and help you weigh them.
We Prepare for Trial
Sometimes a case needs to be fought in court. If that happens, we’re ready. Attorney Grant Scheiner has over 30 years of experience in Texas criminal defense, including extensive work on sex-related cases. Our firm knows how to build a strong defense, cross-examine witnesses, and present facts in a way that makes sense to a jury.
We Focus on Your Future
No one plans to be in this situation. If you’re facing a prostitution charge in Texas, we’re here to help you move forward with as little damage as possible. That starts with a strong, thoughtful defense—one built around you.
Texas Prostitution and Solicitation Laws
Texas law takes prostitution and related offenses seriously. These cases fall under Penal Code Chapter 43, which outlines the different offenses and how they are punished. Knowing the details can help you understand what you’re facing if you’ve been charged:
Prostitution – Texas Sec. 43.02
You can be charged with prostitution if you knowingly agree to accept money or something valuable in exchange for sexual conduct. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, which can mean up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
A second or third offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. After three or more prior convictions, it becomes a state jail felony with penalties ranging from 180 days to 2 years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
Solicitation – Texas Sec. 43.021
If you offer or agree to pay someone for sexual conduct, it’s considered solicitation. A first offense is a state jail felony. With a prior conviction, it becomes a third-degree felony, carrying 2 to 10 years in prison.
If the person you offer to pay is under 18—or you believe they are—it becomes a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years. Sentences can also be enhanced if the act happens near a school.
Promotion of Prostitution – Texas Sec. 43.03
You can be charged if you profit from another person’s prostitution or set up paid sex acts between others. It starts as a third-degree felony. With a prior conviction, it becomes a second-degree felony. If a minor is involved, it becomes a first-degree felony.
Aggravated Promotion
Running or managing a prostitution business involving two or more prostitutes is called aggravated promotion. It’s a first-degree felony and can carry up to 99 years in prison. Just one count may lead to a decade or more behind bars.
Online and Aggravated Online Promotion
Using online platforms to promote prostitution is a third-degree felony under Sec. 43.031. It becomes a second-degree felony if a minor is involved or you have a prior conviction. Promoting five or more people online—under Sec. 43.041—is a second-degree felony but becomes first-degree if minors are involved.
Compelling Prostitution
Forcing someone into prostitution—or involving a minor, even without knowing their age—is a first-degree felony under Sec. 43.05.
Legislative Update – HB1540
HB1540 raised the stakes. Buying sex is now charged as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. This shift is aimed at punishing those who create demand and those who facilitate these acts online.
Defenses to Prostitution and Solicitation in Texas
Prostitution charges can be fought, but you have to know where to apply pressure. In any criminal case, the state has to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Our job as award winning Texas prostitution defense lawyers is to hold them to that standard—and challenge every part of their case that doesn’t hold up.
Entrapment by Law Enforcement
One of the most common defenses in prostitution cases is entrapment. If a police officer pressured you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, that’s entrapment. Simply giving someone the opportunity to break the law isn’t enough—the key is whether they encouraged or persuaded you in a way that crosses the line.
No Clear Agreement to Engage in Sex
Prostitution charges often hinge on whether there was a clear agreement to exchange sex for money. If the conversation was vague, misunderstood, or never confirmed, it may not rise to the level of a criminal offense. Sometimes, overzealous enforcement or unclear communication can lead to wrongful arrests.
Lack of Evidence or Weak Testimony
The prosecution has to present evidence that proves every part of the charge. That includes solid witness statements, recordings, or direct evidence. But evidence in these cases is often thin. Witnesses may be biased, inconsistent, or not credible. Cross-examination can expose gaps, contradictions, or motives that cast doubt on their version of events.
Mistaken Identity or False Allegations
We’ve seen cases where clients were wrongly identified or falsely accused. These charges carry a stigma, and false accusations do happen. If someone mistook you for another person, or if the story doesn’t add up, those details matter. A strong defense digs into who made the claim, why, and what proof actually exists.
Violations of Constitutional Rights
If police violated your rights during a search, arrest, or interrogation, that can result in key evidence being thrown out. The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches. If there was no warrant, no probable cause, or the search went beyond what was allowed, any evidence they gathered may be excluded.
Tailored Legal Strategy
Each case has different facts, and the right defense depends on what actually happened. With over two decades of experience, our skilled Texas sex crime defense lawyers build defenses around the weaknesses in the state’s case. Whether it’s evidence suppression, witness credibility, or showing the lack of intent, we focus on what will work best for your situation.
How Prostitution Charges Can Impact Your Life
A prostitution charge is about more than the criminal case. Even if the legal penalties seem manageable, the lasting consequences can touch nearly every part of your life. It’s not just about fines or potential jail time—it’s about your job, your relationships, and how people see you.
Employment and Career Setbacks
Most employers run background checks. If a prostitution conviction shows up, it can be a red flag that shuts the door before you even get a chance to explain. Whether you’re applying for a new job or trying to move up in your current one, a conviction can limit your options—especially in fields that require a professional license or deal with public trust.
Education and Financial Aid Barriers
A criminal record can also limit your access to school programs and financial aid. Some colleges ask about convictions during admissions. Certain scholarships or grants may become unavailable. For young people trying to get a fresh start, this charge can follow them into the classroom and block future opportunities.
Damage to Personal Relationships
The stigma that comes with prostitution charges can cause serious strain in your personal life. Friends, family members, and romantic partners may not understand the situation or may judge you based on the accusation alone. Even if you aren’t convicted, the fact that you were charged can be enough to change how people treat you.
Social and Public Stigma
Prostitution charges carry a unique kind of public judgment. It’s the type of case people talk about without knowing the facts. If your name is tied to the accusation—whether online or in court records—it can damage your reputation in your community. That kind of harm isn’t easy to undo.
Travel Restrictions and Immigration Issues
Some countries won’t allow entry to people with certain criminal records. A prostitution conviction can make international travel difficult or impossible. For non-citizens, it can also raise immigration concerns, including potential visa issues or removal proceedings.
Protecting Your Future
These charges aren’t just embarrassing—they’re serious. That’s why it’s critical to fight them with a defense built to protect your future. With the right legal strategy, it’s possible to avoid the worst outcomes and get your life back on track.
What To Do If You Are Being Charged With Prostitution and Solicitation in Texas
If you’re facing prostitution or solicitation charges in Texas, how you respond early on can make a difference in how your case plays out. Avoiding common mistakes and following a few key steps can help your attorney build a stronger defense.
Here’s what you should do right away:
- Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Talk to an experienced prostitution and solicitation defense attorney in Texas as soon as possible. These cases often depend on small details, and an early legal strategy can prevent the situation from getting worse.
- Avoid Talking About the Case: Don’t explain yourself to the police, your friends, or family. Anything you say could end up being used against you. Stay silent except with your lawyer.
- Collect and Preserve Evidence: Gather anything that may help your case—text messages, call logs, app data, or receipts. Your lawyer will decide what’s useful. Don’t delete anything, even if you think it looks bad.
- Write Down Everything You Remember: As soon as you can, document how the arrest happened. Include what was said, how officers behaved, and anything that felt unusual. These notes may help your attorney challenge the evidence.
- Don’t Agree to Anything Without Counsel: If police or prosecutors offer you a deal early, don’t accept or sign anything until a lawyer has reviewed it.
- Ask About Alternative Resolutions: Depending on your history, you may qualify for a diversion program or another outcome that avoids a conviction. Your attorney can walk you through these options.
Taking these steps early helps put you in a stronger legal position. The right approach now can lead to better results down the line.
Contact Our Award-Winning Texas Prostitution Defense Law Firm
If you’re facing prostitution or solicitation charges in Texas, Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to help. With decades of experience handling sex-related criminal cases, our team builds strategic defenses based on facts—not assumptions. We take the time to understand your situation, review the evidence, and challenge every weak point in the prosecution’s case.
You’ll get honest advice, direct communication, and a defense built around your goals. Whether that means fighting for a dismissal or preparing for trial, we’re ready.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’re serious about protecting your rights—and helping you move forward.
Our legal team has helped defend clients against untrue sex crime accusations across Texas in cities including Houston, Pearland, League City, Sugarland, Katy, Llano, San Antonio, and more.