Conroe Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Sex Crimes Attorney for Clients Charged with Prostitution in Conroe, TX

Facing charges of prostitution or other sex crimes in Texas can be a daunting experience. These cases have significant legal ramifications that can have a highly negative impact on the lives of those who are convicted. Whether you have been allegedly involved or have been wrongfully accused, it is crucial to understand the specifics surrounding prostitution-related offenses and other sexual offenses in Texas. You can take steps to build a defense strategy with the help of the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Bennett & Bennett.

Prostitution-Related Offenses in Texas

Under Texas law, prostitution is defined broadly, and it encompasses various activities involving the exchange of sexual acts for money or other benefits. The key prostitution-related offenses include:

• Engaging in prostitution - This offense involves knowingly offering or agreeing to provide sexual services in exchange for money or something of value. Under Texas penal code 43.02, penalties for engaging in prostitution depend on the number of offenses the defendant has been convicted of in the past. For a first offense, prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. For the "John" or solicitor of prostitution, the crime is considered a state jail felony even for a first offense, with a conviction resulting in six months to two years in jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Promotion of prostitution - Often referred to as "pimping," this offense involves inducing or encouraging another person to engage in prostitution. Promotion of prostitution is typically classified as a third-degree felony, landing those who are convicted in prison for six months to two years and imposing a maximum fine of $10,000.

Defense Strategies Against Prostitution Charges

Accusations of prostitution offenses require a robust defense strategy that can effectively and thoroughly challenge the prosecution's case. Some potentially successful defenses may include:

• Entrapment - This occurs when a law enforcement officer induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise would not commit. If you were persuaded or coerced by police officers or undercover agents to engage in prostitution, entrapment could be a valid defense. Demonstrating that the idea originated from law enforcement rather than from you can be critical in these situations.
• Miscommunication or misunderstanding - Sometimes, prostitution charges can stem from ambiguous conversations or actions. For example, an exchange of money may have been mistakenly interpreted as an agreement for sexual services, even though your intent was different. In that case, this defense can show that no criminal agreement was ever made.
• Violations of fundamental rights - Your Constitutional rights must be respected throughout the legal process. If evidence was gathered through unlawful searches, seizures, or other violations of your Fourth Amendment rights, it may be possible to have this evidence excluded from the case. Additionally, if your Miranda rights were violated or if you were subjected to coercive interrogations, these fundamental violations could be pivotal to your defense.

Examples of Serious Sex Crimes Involving Children

There are a variety of other sexual offenses that a person may face in Texas. When these crimes involve children, they are likely to be prosecuted extremely aggressively. Here are a few examples of sex crimes involving children in Texas:

• Online solicitation of a minor - Under Texas Penal Code 33.021, this offense involves using the internet or electronic communication to solicit a minor for sexual conduct. Online solicitation is a third-degree felony, and those who are convicted can face between two and ten years in prison and fines of $10,000. If the minor is younger than 14 years of age, the offense is escalated to a second-degree felony, with those convicted facing between two to 20 years in prison and fines of $10,000.
• Inappropriate relationships between teachers and students - This offense involves any romantic or sexual relationship between an educator and a student enrolled in the same school. It is classified as a second-degree felony, with potential imprisonment ranging from two to 20 years and fines up to $10,000.
• Child sexual assault - This offense involves an adult engaging in sexual activity with a minor who is younger than 17 years old. The perpetrator may face two to 20 years in prison if convicted, as this offense is a second-degree felony. It is important to note that sexual activity with a minor under 17 years of age may be allowed if a couple is married or if the perpetrator is no more than three years older than the minor. If a child's relative perpetrates child sexual assault, the offense is escalated to a first-degree felony, punishable by five to 99 years in prison.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating prostitution charges or other sexual offenses without experienced legal support can be overwhelming and a recipe for disaster. A skilled criminal defense attorney who is familiar with Texas laws can provide the necessary guidance, protect your rights, and develop a personalized defense strategy tailored to your case. The experienced attorneys at Bennett & Bennett can help investigate the circumstances of your case, gather crucial evidence, and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Contact Our Conroe, TX Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Facing sex crime charges in Texas is a serious matter that can have far-reaching implications. Understanding the various offenses and potential penalties is essential, as is being aware of the defense strategies that can be employed. Whether entrapment, miscommunication, or constitutional violations form the basis of your defense, seeking legal counsel from the attorneys at Bennett & Bennett is undoubtedly a wise decision that will ensure that your rights are respected. With the right defense strategy and legal support, confronting these charges becomes a bit more manageable, paving the way for a potentially favorable resolution. For legal guidance, contact us at 713-224-1747 for a private consultation.