If you face a prostitution or sex crime charge in University Park, you may face large fines. Prostitution and sex crimes can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, too. Even worse, you may have to register as a sex offender. Registering as a sex offender will prevent you from getting a job or renting a home in many places. You could even lose custody of your children.
Before you make any decisions about your case, talk to a prostitution and sex crime lawyer in University Park at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. We will provide a free consultation to help you explore your options.
Call 214-696-9253 today to learn more.
Prostitution & Sex Crimes Penalties in University Park
The police can charge you with prostitution or another sex crime based only on the exchange of a few words.
In Texas, you do not have to engage in any behavior or hand over any money. You simply have to agree to exchange something of value for a sexual act. Prostitution typically carries Class B misdemeanor charges. Upon conviction you will face the following maximum penalties:
- A monetary fine of up to $2,000, and/or
- 6 months in jail.
If you have a conviction for a prior sex offense, you will face Class A misdemeanor charges. Upon conviction, you will face the following maximum penalties:
- A monetary fine of up to $4,000, and/or
- 1 year in jail.
If the police allege that you solicited someone under the age of 18, you will face a second-degree felony. Upon conviction, you will face the following maximum penalties:
- A monetary fine of up to $10,000, and/or
- Up to 20 years in prison.
The prosecutor, at their discretion, could choose to pursue more serious charges. Felony charges can lead to a monetary fine of up to $10,000. They also carry the risk of significant jail time. For example, a third-degree felony carries a maximum 10-year sentence. But a first-degree felony carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 99 years in prison.
The court could also impose community supervision (probation) and community service. Convictions could also lead to mandated counseling and psychological treatment. You will have a record and you may have to register as a sex offender.
Other types of sex crime charges that you could face include:
- Promoting prostitution
- Profiting from prostitution
- Sexual assault
- Child pornography
- Online solicitation of a minor
- Voyeurism
- Indecent exposure
- Public lewdness
Sex Crimes Conviction and Sex Offender Registry
Once you have a reportable sex crimes conviction, you must register as a sex offender. Your personal information will appear in the sex offender database maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). You may also be in other city and county databases throughout the state.
TxDPS will conduct a threat assessment to determine how likely you are to pose a threat to the community. This invasive assessment requires you to sit down with a committee who can ask you anything.
The TxDPS assessment will rank you based on the committee’s opinion of the risk you pose. The three levels are:
- Level One: Minimal risk posed to the community,
- Level Two: Moderate risk posed to the community, and
- Level Three: High risk posed to the community.
If the committee deems you enough of a risk to require registry, you must register for a minimum of 10 years.
In University Park, registered sex offenders face a variety of restrictions. Specifically, you cannot live within 2,000 feet of a school, park, playground, daycare center or other places where children congregate. As you can see from this “Sex Offender Safe Zone” map, you will have trouble finding anywhere to live within the city limits of University Park.
In addition, many employers can legally discriminate against you. They can deny you employment based on your criminal record as a sex offender.
The Benefits of Working with a Prostitution & Sex Crime Lawyer
Trust the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to assist you with your case. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to protect your legal rights.
Texas law enforcement agencies regularly conduct stings to find as many alleged offenders as possible. They may arrest you and charge you with prostitution, solicitation, or another sex crime. But that does not guarantee a conviction. The prosecutor must meet a high burden of proof, and we have many strategies that we can use in your defense depending on the details of your case.
Our legal team provides services to you that include:
Investigating Your Case
We will investigate the circumstances your case thoroughly. This helps to identify any mistakes or violations of your legal rights.
Negotiating With the Prosecutor
Any potential problems or violations of your rights can provide leverage. Our University Park prostitution and sex crime lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. Our primary goal is a full dismissal of the charges pending against you. If the prosecutor will not drop the charges, or if the court will not dismiss the case, we will work to negotiate a reduction in charges.
Making Your Case in Court
If the prosecutor will not negotiate an acceptable reduction in charges, we can prepare your case and defend you in court.
We will be just a phone call away throughout the legal process. Our team will also help you explore your options.
See How a Prostitution & Sex Crimes Lawyer in University Park Can Help You
Sex crimes and prostitution charges can bring shame as well as fear for your future. The prosecutor may try to leverage your embarrassment by urging you to plead guilty and put the matter behind you. Unfortunately, a guilty plea will not enable you to put the issue behind you.
Randall Isenberg has more than 30 years of legal experience. This includes experience as a district court judge, chief felony prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney. Before you make any decisions about your case, come in for a free consultation to learn what options you may have.
Call us today at 214-696-9253 for more information.
