Parker County Solicitation Lawyer

If you are facing solicitation charges, a Parker County solicitation lawyer could help. There is no need to try handling the situation on your own. Court appearances and other steps in the legal process can be intimidating if you do not know what to expect.

A well-versed criminal defense attorney could stand by you every step of the way and fight for a positive resolution based on the facts of your case. A seasoned lawyer is dedicated to helping you fight for your rights.

Laws Governing Solicitation in Parker County

Laws prohibiting solicitation in Parker County are outlined in the Texas penal code subchapter on prostitution. Legally, solicitation refers to one person attempting to convince another person to engage in acts of prostitution. However, the acts do not have to be carried out for a person to be charged with solicitation.

If an attempt is made to entice another person to engage in prostitution, a person can be charged with solicitation. The following are examples of solicitation:

• Enticing another person to accept money or goods in exchange for providing sexual services
• Enticing another person to give money or goods in exchange for receiving sexual services

Soliciting a Minor

In addition to outlining solicitation offenses pertaining to prostitution, the Texas penal code also defines a specific category of solicitation referred to as online solicitation of a minor (see section 33.021). Online solicitation of a minor involves a legal adult over the age of 17 engaging or attempting to engage in sexually explicit communications with a person who is younger than 17 years of age or whom the accused believes to be younger than 17.

A person can be charged with online solicitation of a minor for having sexually explicit communications or for providing a minor with sexually explicit materials, including images, photographs, and videos. Online solicitation of a minor can occur via a variety of electronic communications options, including:

• The Internet
• Email
• Text message
• Other electronic means

Specific Charges and Their Penalties

The legal penalties for solicitation in Parker County can vary depending on whether a person has prior convictions for prostitution or solicitation and whether the person being solicited was a minor under the age of 17. Many solicitation offenses are charged as misdemeanors. However, solicitation of a minor is charged as a felony. Because the penalties can vary, a criminal defense lawyer could help explain how a particular accusation is likely to be treated in court.

Class A and Class B misdemeanors in Texas carry jail sentences of one year or less and monetary fines. Felonies in the second or third carry prison sentences of two years or more, as well as monetary fines. First degree felonies are associated with a prison term of at least five years and a monetary fine of up to $10,000 (see Texas Penal Code Chapter 12). A Parker County solicitation lawyer could review the charges a person is facing and explain the possible legal penalty based on whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.

Speak with a Parker County Solicitation Attorney

If you are facing solicitation charges in Parker County, help is available. A team of lawyers could help you pursue the best possible legal outcome. An experienced attorney could work to fight the charges at every stage to help you achieve a more positive outcome. Contact a Parker County solicitation lawyer today to start building your defense.