When facing prostitution charges in Frisco, Texas, you need experienced legal representation. You need attorneys who understand both Texas law and the local court system. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our Frisco prostitution defense attorneys provide aggressive, knowledgeable representation for clients throughout Collin County and Denton County. With offices in both Dallas and Frisco, we are well-positioned to defend your rights and protect your future.

Our founding attorney, Justin Wilson, brings valuable prosecutorial experience to your defense. He served as a prosecutor before dedicating his practice to criminal defense. This insider knowledge of how the state builds cases against defendants provides our clients with a significant advantage in developing effective defense strategies.

Understanding Prostitution Charges in Frisco, Texas

Texas law defines prostitution and related offenses under specific sections of the Texas Penal Code. Understanding these charges is important for anyone facing allegations in Frisco or surrounding areas.

Under Texas Penal Code Section 43.02, prostitution occurs when a person knowingly offers or agrees to receive a fee from another person in return for sexual conduct. The law also covers soliciting another person in a public place to engage with the actor in sexual conduct for hire. Additionally, the law covers situations where someone knowingly receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement to engage in sexual conduct.

Solicitation of prostitution, covered under Texas Penal Code Section 43.021, involves offering or agreeing to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another. This charge often arises from undercover sting operations conducted by law enforcement agencies throughout Collin County and Denton County.

Important Update: As of September 2021, Texas House Bill 1540 significantly changed solicitation penalties. Solicitation of prostitution is now classified as a state jail felony for first-time offenses. This makes Texas the first state to impose felony penalties for first-time solicitation. This represents a major shift from the previous misdemeanor classification.

The distinction between prostitution and solicitation is important for building an effective defense strategy. While both charges carry serious consequences, the specific elements that prosecutors must prove differ. This creates different opportunities for defense.

Common scenarios that lead to arrests in Frisco include online sting operations, massage parlor investigations, and street-level enforcement activities. Law enforcement agencies in Collin County actively conduct these operations. This makes it important to have attorneys who understand local enforcement patterns and tactics.

Penalties for Prostitution and Solicitation Offenses in Collin County

The penalties for prostitution-related charges in Texas vary significantly between prostitution (selling) and solicitation (buying) offenses.

Prostitution Penalties (Selling Sex)

For a first-time prostitution offense, the charge is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor. This carries potential penalties of up to 180 days in county jail and fines up to $2,000. While these penalties may seem manageable, the long-term consequences extend far beyond the immediate criminal sanctions.

If you have been previously convicted of prostitution, the charges escalate significantly. A second prostitution conviction becomes a Class A misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000. Third and subsequent convictions are charged as state jail felonies. These carry potential sentences of 180 days to two years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.

Solicitation Penalties (Buying Sex)

Current Solicitation Penalties (2024-2025):

• First offense: State jail felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail, up to $10,000 fine)
• One prior conviction: Third-degree felony (2-10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine)
• If person solicited is/believed to be under 18: Second-degree felony (2-20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine)

The escalation to felony charges creates lasting consequences that affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing applications, and other aspects of daily life. Additionally, certain circumstances can elevate charges even for first-time offenders. These include cases involving minors or situations that occur near schools or other protected areas.

Beyond the immediate criminal penalties, prostitution and solicitation convictions can trigger collateral consequences. These include immigration issues for non-citizens, loss of professional licenses, and difficulty obtaining employment in many fields. These long-term impacts make aggressive legal representation important from the moment charges are filed.

Why You Need Experienced Frisco Prostitution Defense Lawyers

Prostitution cases in Texas involve complex legal issues that require experienced legal representation. The intersection of constitutional law, criminal procedure, and local court practices creates numerous opportunities for effective defense strategies. However, this only works when handled by attorneys who understand these details.

Texas prostitution laws contain specific elements that prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys carefully analyze each element of the charges against you. We identify weaknesses in the state’s case and develop strategies to challenge the evidence. This detailed approach often reveals opportunities for dismissal or reduction of charges that less experienced attorneys might miss.

The importance of immediate legal representation cannot be overstated. From the moment of arrest, law enforcement officers and prosecutors begin building their case against you. Having experienced attorneys involved early in the process allows us to protect your rights. We can preserve favorable evidence and begin developing your defense strategy immediately.

Protecting your reputation and future requires more than just handling the immediate criminal charges. Our team understands the sensitive nature of these cases. We work diligently to minimize public exposure while fighting for the most favorable outcome possible. We also provide guidance on managing the collateral consequences of charges. This includes employment issues and professional licensing concerns.

Understanding local court procedures in Collin County provides our clients with significant advantages. Our attorneys regularly practice in Collin County courts at law, Collin County district courts, and Denton County courts. This familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff allows us to work through the system effectively. We can advocate persuasively on your behalf.

Our Defense Strategies for Prostitution Cases

Effective defense against prostitution charges requires a comprehensive approach. This examines every aspect of the case, from the initial investigation through the arrest and charging process.

Challenging evidence and police procedures forms the foundation of many successful defenses. Law enforcement officers must follow specific protocols when conducting investigations and making arrests. When officers violate constitutional rights or fail to follow proper procedures, the evidence they obtain may be suppressed. This significantly weakens the prosecution’s case.

Our attorneys carefully review all evidence. This includes surveillance footage, recorded conversations, text messages, and witness statements. We examine whether law enforcement obtained this evidence legally. We also examine whether it actually supports the charges filed against you. This thorough analysis often reveals constitutional violations or procedural errors that can lead to dismissal of charges.

Entrapment defenses are particularly relevant in prostitution cases involving undercover operations. Texas law prohibits law enforcement from inducing someone to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed. When officers cross the line from providing an opportunity to commit a crime to actually encouraging or coercing criminal activity, entrapment may provide a complete defense.

Constitutional violations and illegal searches frequently occur in prostitution investigations. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement officers must have proper justification for their actions. When officers exceed their authority or violate constitutional rights, the evidence they obtain cannot be used against you in court.

Negotiating reduced charges or dismissals requires understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys leverage their experience and relationships within the local legal community to achieve favorable outcomes for clients. This might involve negotiating for reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or complete dismissal of charges when appropriate.

Defending Against Sting Operations

Law enforcement agencies in Collin County and Denton County regularly conduct sting operations targeting prostitution. These operations often involve undercover officers posing as potential clients or service providers. They use online platforms, classified advertisements, or direct contact to arrange meetings.

Common law enforcement tactics include creating fake online profiles, responding to advertisements, and arranging meetings in hotel rooms or other locations where arrests can be made safely. Officers often use specific language and procedures designed to establish the elements of prostitution or solicitation charges.

Identifying entrapment scenarios requires careful analysis of all communications and interactions between law enforcement and defendants. When officers go beyond providing an opportunity to commit a crime and actually induce or encourage criminal activity, entrapment defenses may apply. This is particularly relevant when officers are persistent, offer unusually high payments, or use other tactics that might induce someone to engage in activity they would not otherwise consider.

Challenging undercover operations involves examining whether officers followed proper procedures. We examine whether they accurately documented their interactions and whether their conduct violated constitutional rights. Our attorneys have experience analyzing these operations and identifying weaknesses that can be exploited in defense of our clients.

The Legal Process for Prostitution Charges in Texas

Understanding the legal process helps clients make informed decisions about their cases and prepare for what lies ahead. From arrest through final resolution, each stage of the process presents opportunities for effective advocacy.

Arrest and booking procedures typically begin when law enforcement officers believe they have sufficient evidence to support prostitution charges. During this process, officers will read Miranda rights, conduct searches, and gather additional evidence. Having legal representation during this important phase helps protect your rights and preserve opportunities for defense.

Court Jurisdiction for Different Charge Levels:

• Class B and Class A misdemeanor prostitution cases: Handled by County Courts at Law
• State jail felony prostitution cases (third+ offenses): Handled by District Courts
• All solicitation cases: Handled by District Courts (due to felony classification since 2021)

Initial court appearances, often called arraignments, occur shortly after arrest. During these proceedings, charges are formally read, bail is set, and initial pleas are entered. Our attorneys work to secure reasonable bail conditions and begin the process of reviewing evidence and developing defense strategies.

Pre-trial negotiations often provide the most effective path to favorable outcomes in prostitution cases. Our attorneys use their experience and relationships within the legal community to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or dismissal of charges when appropriate. These negotiations require thorough preparation and strategic thinking to achieve optimal results.

Trial preparation and representation become necessary when cases cannot be resolved through negotiation. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are prepared to aggressively defend your rights in court. This includes challenging evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting compelling arguments to judges and juries.

Protecting Your Future After Prostitution Charges

The consequences of prostitution charges extend far beyond the immediate criminal penalties. This makes it important to consider long-term implications and available remedies.

Record Clearing Options – Important Limitations:

Expungement and record sealing options are severely limited for prostitution convictions. Under current Texas law:

• Actual prostitution or solicitation convictions (guilty verdicts) generally CANNOT be expunged or sealed through standard procedures
• Dismissed charges, acquittals, and completed pretrial diversion programs ARE eligible for expungement under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55
• Deferred adjudication cases for prostitution-related offenses are generally NOT eligible for nondisclosure orders, as Texas law specifically excludes sexually-based offenses from standard sealing procedures
• Human trafficking victims may petition for vacatur and sealing under special provisions in Texas Family Code Section 58.258, with no waiting period required upon completion of a trafficked persons program

The eligibility requirements and procedures for record clearing are complex and much more restrictive for prostitution-related offenses compared to other crimes. Our attorneys help clients understand their limited options and pursue record clearing when legally available.

Impact on employment and professional licenses can be severe. This is particularly true for individuals in healthcare, education, finance, and other regulated professions. Many employers conduct background checks, and professional licensing boards may take disciplinary action based on criminal convictions. We work with clients to understand these risks and develop strategies to minimize their impact.

Immigration consequences for non-citizens require careful consideration. Prostitution-related convictions typically create inadmissibility issues rather than deportability. This means they generally prevent entry to the United States, adjustment of status, or naturalization. However, they do not automatically trigger removal proceedings for those already lawfully present. The immigration consequences are complex and can severely impact future immigration benefits. Our attorneys work closely with immigration attorneys to make sure that criminal defense strategies consider these important collateral consequences.

Restoring your reputation requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the legal and practical aspects of moving forward after criminal charges. This might include pursuing record clearing when available, developing strategies for addressing employment concerns, and working to minimize the long-term impact of charges on your personal and professional life.

Contact Our Frisco Prostitution Defense Team Today

We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. During this consultation, we will review the charges against you, explain the potential consequences, and outline possible defense strategies. This initial meeting provides an opportunity to ask questions and understand how we can help with your specific situation.

Our team is available 24/7 to respond to urgent legal needs. We understand that arrests and criminal charges do not occur only during business hours. We are committed to providing immediate assistance when you need it most.

If you are facing prostitution charges in Frisco, Collin County, or Denton County, immediate legal representation is important. The experienced attorneys at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer are ready to fight for your rights and protect your future. Contact us today at 214-949-4117 to schedule your free consultation.