FORT WORTH PROSTITUTION LAWYER

FORT WORTH PROSTITUTION LAWYER

Arrested for engaging in or soliciting prostitution?

In Texas, it is illegal to offer sex for money (prostitution) or offer money for sex (patronizing). Both of these crimes are Class B misdemeanors and could have serious consequences on your future. If you have been arrested for engaging in or soliciting prostitution, the Law Office of A. Oliver Hassibi should be your first call. I have been defending the criminally accused in Fort Worth for more than a decade.

Arrested for a prostitution-related offense? I want to hear your side of the story. Call the Law Office of A. Oliver Hassibi today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

How the Law Classifies Prostitution in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code § 43.02, you could be charged with the crime of prostitution or patronizing if you knowingly offer to engage, agree to engage, or engage in sexual conduct for a fee—which may include money or other items of value. The same would apply if you solicit another person in public to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. In most cases, prostitution or soliciting prostitution will be charged as a Class B misdemeanor.

It is also possible that you could face enhanced charges. If you were convicted of a prostitution-related offense once or twice in the past, your charges could be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor. The crime would become a state jail felony if you were previously convicted three or more times. And finally, you could be charged with a second-degree felony if you solicit prostitution from a minor (someone who is under the age of 18).

The Penalties for Prostitution-Related Crimes

If you are convicted of prostitution, the penalties you face will depend on the severity of your charges, as they can range from a Class B misdemeanor to second-degree felony.

• Class B misdemeanor: up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines
• Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 in fines
• State jail felony: 180 days in jail to 2 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines

Pimping, Promoting & Compelling Prostitution

Unlike prostitution or patronizing, pimping involves making money from a prostitute’s earnings. Pimping or promoting prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in county jail. You could also be charged with “aggravated promotion” if you knowingly own, finance or supervise a prostitution enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes. This is considered to be a third-degree felony in Texas.

Even more serious than pimping is the crime of compelling prostitution. This involves forcing another person to engage in prostitution by force, threat or fraud, or causing a minor to commit prostitution by any means—even if you were not aware of their age at the time. If you compel prostitution, you could be charged with a second-degree felony. Compelling prostitution of a minor, on the other hand, is a first-degree felony.

Tell Us Your Side of the Story Today

If you have been arrested for any type of prostitution-related offense, be it soliciting or compelling prostitution, you can count on the Law Office of A. Oliver Hassibi to provide an aggressive defense. As a Fort Worth sex crime lawyer, I have been defending criminally accused clients for more than a decade, and I know what it takes to secure a favorable outcome in court.

Request a free and confidential consultation with my firm today to find out how I can assist you. You have no time to waste when your future is on the line.