San Antonio Prostitution Defense Attorneys
Standing Up for Your Constitutional Rights in Texas
Being arrested for prostitution can be a frightening and often intimidating experience. Having trusted legal counsel can alleviate some of the fear and anxiety you are feeling. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we strive to help all of our clients navigate the criminal justice system while we work to seek favorable results.
Contact us for a free consultation with our San Antonio prostitution attorneys at (210) 960-9557 today.
What Are Prostitution Offenses?
Overall, prostitution laws tend to be vaguely defined. Thus, actions or behavior you may believe to be legal can be included in what the courts consider to be prostitution.
Texas generally defines prostitution as:
- Providing sexual conduct for pay
- Paying for sexual conduct
- Solicitation of sexual conduct
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we often hear the common misconception that entrapping an individual into engaging in prostitution is unlawful. In the majority of such cases, however, using entrapment as a defense is unworkable. This is because coercion is required as a factor in entrapment. Only if the accused was induced to engage in prostitution when they had no intention of doing so would entrapment apply. If you believe entrapment as a defense applies to your case, you should consult with one of our qualified San Antonio prostitution defense lawyers.
Compelling prostitution means that you were involved in “pimping” for another without the use of force or coercion. This charge carries penalties that may include the mandatory registration as a sex offender and up to a 20-year prison sentence. When facing such a charge, it is vital that you seek legal advice from one of our criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible. Our legal team is available to take your calls 24/7.
FAQ for San Antonio Prostitution
What are the potential charges and penalties for prostitution in San Antonio?
Prostitution charges in Texas can vary based on the circumstances:
- First offense is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
- Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties of up to one year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines.
- Third or subsequent offenses can be charged as state jail felonies, with potential penalties including 180 days to 2 years in state jail and additional fines.
Aggravating factors, such as involvement in human trafficking or prostitution near schools, can lead to enhanced charges with harsher penalties.
What are some common defense strategies for prostitution charges?
Defense strategies depend on the specifics of your case but may include:
- Proving a lack of intent or agreement to engage in sexual activity.
- Demonstrating entrapment by law enforcement, where the defendant was persuaded or coerced into committing the offense.
- Challenging the evidence, such as unreliable witness testimony or improper collection of evidence.
- Arguing constitutional violations, such as unlawful search and seizure.
An experienced attorney will thoroughly review your case and determine the best defense approach.
What is the legal process for prostitution charges in San Antonio?
The process typically begins with an arrest, followed by an arraignment where you will enter a plea. Your attorney will then investigate the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and potentially discuss plea agreements. If a resolution cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. A skilled defense attorney will guide you through each step to ensure your rights are protected.
Can a prostitution charge be removed from my record in Texas?
If your case is dismissed or results in an acquittal, you may be eligible for expungement, which removes the charge from your record. Alternatively, if you successfully complete deferred adjudication probation, you may qualify for an order of non-disclosure, which seals your record from public view. Your attorney can advise you on the options available in your situation.
What are the long-term consequences of a prostitution conviction?
A conviction can have lasting effects, including difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, damage to personal reputation, and challenges with securing housing. It’s vital to work with a defense attorney to minimize these potential consequences.
Why You Need a Prostitution Defense Attorney
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we may be able to get your charges reduced or possibly dismissed. That would save you hefty fines – potentially thousands of dollars – and perhaps even jail time. Retaining the services of a qualified professional is the most important step you can take to protect your future. Our San Antonio prostitution defense lawyers can help you throughout the duration of your case.
What to Expect for a First-Time Prostitution Charge
Generally, on a first-offense prostitution charge, police will take you into custody, you will be arrested, and the judge will set a bond for your release or you will be released on your own recognizance. When a bond is set, you or a family member must arrange to pay it or hire a bail bondsman. Our knowledgeable attorneys can provide help with this by referring you to a reputable bonding agent so that you can be released from custody as soon as possible.
Our firm knows how overwhelming it can be to face prostitution charges. We urge you to put aside your fear or embarrassment in order to get the legal counsel you need at this critical time. We thoroughly understand the difficulty of your position and are here to stand by you and give you the legal support you need throughout the duration of your case.
Call our law offices today to arrange to speak to one of our San Antonio prostitution lawyers at (210) 960-9557.
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say
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Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action.- Michael
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Having no background in law and finding myself in a situation that left me feeling extremely vulnerable, I felt quickly at ease in their care. They were very reasonable with my situation and helped work around my needs by providing me with the most support- Andrew
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They handled my case incredibly well and warned me on the possible negative outcomes, overall completely satisfied me through the whole process.- Elmer Marqueiz
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Very professional, on time and educates you along the whole process. I had a lot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America.- Manuel R.
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Dismissed Terroristic Threat
Our client was reportedly heard making terroristic threats by some members of his seventh-grade class. Police charged him with a felony. Our client was a boy scout who was well-liked by teachers but had developed ADHD and was being bullied. The State offered our client 1 year of deferred probation.
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Case Dismissed/Charges Reduced DWI With Child Passenger - Felony
Our client was accused of being intoxicated while having her 8 year old in the vehicle with her, a third degree felony in Texas. To make matters worse the investigation had been initiated after our client had crashed into two parked cars and the first thing officers noticed were the two previous DWI’s our client had.
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Dismissed Theft
Our client was allegedly caught shoplifting at an HEB. She had no prior arrest history, so we worked with her on proactively taking classes, which were used to her advantage during our negotiations. The client accepted a deferred adjudication on the shoplifting offense, which was ultimately dismissed.
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Dismissed Assault Family Violence Domestic Violence
Our client received an arrest warrant for an alleged assault on his brother’s girlfriend. He needed the warrant cleared so that he could be considered for a job he was applying for.
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Charges Avoided Assault
Client had been celebrating his birthday and tried to prevent some of his guest from driving while intoxicated. While attempting to arrange an alternative ride for a relative, the relative’s girlfriend decided she wasn’t having it and decided to start an altercation with a few other guest. Later she accused our client of having assaulted her and sending her to the hospital.