When people think of prostitution , they often picture Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman, a romanticized version of a "hooker" and a "john. According to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas , people posted 1. More than , of those were believed to sell children. Human trafficking is the exploitation of women, children, and men for forced sex or labor by a third person for profit.
The unfortunate reality is that many of those involved in prostitution are victims of sex trafficking. Because sex trafficking is so prevalent in Texas, the Texas Legislature sought to crack down on prostitution and increase penalties for those involved in the trade.
While the intent is admirable, sometimes, people who've made a simple mistake can get caught up in criminal charges that could forever alter their lives if convicted. If you're facing a charge for prostitution or soliciting a prostitute , the consequences can be serious and frightening. You need an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer representing you every step of the way. In September , the Texas prostitution law went through a major overhaul.
Before , a first offense for soliciting prostitution was a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by up to days in jail. Now, the penalties are much more severe. The reason for this drastic change is greater awareness of the problem of human trafficking in Texas. Two of the biggest risk factors that make a young person vulnerable to sex trafficking include substance abuse and running away from home.
Under Texas law, someone commits prostitution "if the person knowingly offers or agrees to receive a fee from another to engage in sexual conduct. While the basic charge can be a Class B Misdemeanor, it rises to a Class A Misdemeanor if you have two or more previous convictions for prostitution. Prostitution rises to a state jail felony if you have three or more previous prostitution convictions. The state may also enhance your prostitution charge by one degree if it happens close to a school, a school function, or an event held by the University Interscholastic League.
