Tarrant County Prostitution Lawyer

A prostitution charge can be intimidating. It could result in serious consequences, including incarceration and fines. However, local law contains certain defenses to a prostitution charge that could lead to a more positive outcome. A Tarrant County prostitution lawyer could raise one or more of these defenses in seeking a favorable verdict.

If you are charged with prostitution, seek the counsel of an aggressive criminal defense attorney. They can guide you through the process while protecting your rights. It may make the difference in the outcome of your case.

Prostitution Law in Tarrant County

According to Texas Penal Code Section 43.02, prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor in Tarrant County. This section states that a person could face charges of prostitution if, in exchange for compensation, they offer, agree to engage in, or engage in sexual conduct with another. It is not necessary that any money is actually exchanged in order for a person to charges for the misdemeanor of prostitution.

Possible Penalties for Prostitution

Prostitution charges carry stricter sentences with each conviction. A first offense may be a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

A person’s second or third charge may be treated as a Class A misdemeanor which means it could carry a more severe potential sentence than a Class B misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor in Tarrant County could result in a full year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines. A fourth prostitution charge may be considered a state jail felony and may be punishable by up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. A Tarrant County prostitution attorney could help an individual seek the best possible outcome based on their unique circumstances.

Defenses Against These Charges

Section 43.02 lists two affirmative defenses to prostitution. An affirmative defense is one in which the charged party admits to the committing every element of a crime but should nevertheless be found not guilty due to some other mitigating circumstance. In the case of prostitution, the statutorily defined defenses are:

• The defendant is a victim of human trafficking
• The defendant was coerced by force, the threat of force, or induced by fraud to engage in prostitution

If either of these circumstances is satisfactorily demonstrated to the court, the court may be able to reach a favorable verdict. A Tarrant County prostitution lawyer could be extremely helpful in articulating such circumstances to the court.

Sex Offender Registry

It is worth noting that it may not be required by law for a person with a prostitution offense on their record to enter their name into the sex offender registry. The only prostitution-related offense that may require such a registration is compelling prostitution. A person charged only with prostitution in Tarrant County may not need to worry about registering in the sex offender database.

Consulting a Tarrant County Prostitution Attorney

A prostitution charge should not be taken lightly. It is worth fighting, considering the affirmative defenses included within Tarrant County law. A Tarrant County prostitution lawyer could help seek the best possible verdict regardless of the circumstances.

If you have been charged with prostitution, take the next step and reach out to a prostitution attorney to schedule an appointment to discuss your case. They can help you understand the options available under your specific circumstances.