Like in many other states, prostitution is a serious crime in Texas. If one is caught in a prostitution offense for the first time, the punishment is a jail term of 180 days and a fine not exceeding $2,000. A repeat offender faces fines not exceeding $10,000 or lifetime imprisonment.
Luckily, it is possible to beat these charges whether you are being charged for the first time or for a repeated offense. To be on the winning side, the best thing you can do for yourself is hire an experienced lawyer.
Hire a reliable prostitution defense lawyer
More often than not, most people facing criminal charge cases make the mistake of working without a lawyer. They do this to try and save money. However, if you want the best odds of winning your case, it’s worth the investment.
When hiring a representative, make sure you choose a reliable lawyer who has handled similar cases before to increase your chances of winning. They will ask questions about your charges and develop strategies to ensure that you win this case.
Possible prostitution defense strategies
A knowledgeable lawyer will use 1 (or more) of the following strategies to help you win your case.
1. You were arrested without probable cause
In some cases, you may be arrested for talking to somebody suspiciously. However, maybe you were just offering to buy the sex worker a sandwich. Maybe they were just asking for directions. For the case to proceed, the arresting officer will need to prove that whatever was going on when they arrested you was illegal.
With the help of a lawyer, you could prove that you were not inviting the worker back to your place or offering to buy their services.
2. You did not know
Not knowing that something was illegal typically isn’t handled kindly in court. However, when it comes to prostitution, you can use lack of knowledge as your defense.
It’s possible that you can claim you have been in a state where prostitution was legal, and you didn’t know that it was illegal in Texas. However, your lawyer will need evidence that you didn’t know that prostitution is an offense.
If this claim doesn’t take you off your charges completely, it may significantly reduce your punishment.
3. No compensation was exchanged
Sex is only a criminal offense in Texas if there was any compensation received. This may be in the form of money or any other item of value. However, 2 adults meeting up for consensual sexual encounters isn’t a crime.
The charges will go away if you can prove that it was an intimate meeting with no compensation from either side.
4. Your rights were undermined during arrest
Every suspect has rights that should be observed after an arrest. For example, an officer needs to immediately explain to you the reason for your arrest.
If this or other rights were not observed during your arrest, it’s possible to beat the charges. A judge will probably dismiss your case if the arresting officer violated your rights.
It’s tricky to be charged with a prostitution offense, whether you’re innocent, this is a first time offense or you’re a repeat offender. A reputable lawyer is your best bet at beating the prostitution charges without any penalties.
