The Texas offense of Solicitation Of Prostitution gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you offered or agreed to pay a fee for a sexual favor.
SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTION ATTORNEY FAQs
This is essentially the “John” version of the Prostitution offense in Texas.
Have you been charged with Solicitation of Prostitution? Book a consultation to discuss legal representation with criminal defense attorney Paul Saputo today.
This is a new law passed by the 87th Texas Legislature, effective as of September 1, 2021. Learn more about the Solicitation Of Prostitution offense below.
What is the current Texas law about Solicitation Of Prostitution?
The current Texas law defines the offense of Solicitation of Prostitution in Penal Code Section §43.021 as follows:[1]
(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.
This law was passed by the 87th Texas Legislature, effective as of September 1, 2021.[2]
How can I be charged with Solicitation Of Prostitution?
You can be charged with Solicitation Of Prostitution if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 43.021 as described in the section above have been met.
What is the punishment for Solicitation Of Prostitution?
Solicitation Of Prostitution is punished as a state jail felony,[3] unless you have been previously convicted of a “john” type prostitution offense before, in which case it is punished as a third degree felony,[4] or if the offense involved someone under 18 years old or someone pretending to be under 18 years old or someone who was over 18 years old and you just thought they were under 18 years old.[5]
Legal References:
^1. Texas Penal Code §43.021^2. H.B. 1540, 87th Texas Legislature, Section 29, effective September 1, 2021.^3. Texas Penal Code §43.021(b)^4. Texas Penal Code §43.021(b)(1)^5. Texas Penal Code §43.021(b)(2)
