If you were arrested for prostitution or solicitation of prostitution in Baytown, it’s vital to work with an attorney who understands both Texas sex crime laws and local policing tactics. At Ceja Law Firm, we assist clients throughout Baytown and Harris County with strategic, discreet, and experienced representation to protect your future—even on a first offense.
Why Choose Ceja Law Firm in Baytown
Attorney Jose Ceja is a former Harris County prosecutor and is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—an achievement earned by fewer than 5% of attorneys in the state. He has successfully represented many clients charged with prostitution and solicitation in Baytown, including cases involving undercover stings at local motels, massage parlors, and online listings.
We also speak Spanish and are experienced in helping members of the Hispanic community navigate these sensitive charges, particularly when immigration consequences may be involved.
Understanding Texas Prostitution Laws
Texas law separates prostitution into two main categories: prostitution and solicitation of prostitution. While both offenses involve agreements for sexual conduct in exchange for money or something of value, they apply to different roles in the transaction and carry significantly different penalties.
Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.02
This offense applies to the person offering sexual conduct. A person can be charged with prostitution if they knowingly offer or agree to engage in sexual activity for a fee. The charge is typically filed as a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense but can be enhanced based on prior convictions.
Prostitution charges often arise in Baytown from sting operations where undercover officers pose as buyers and engage in conversations—online or in person—that suggest an exchange of sex for payment. Even if no sex occurs and no money is exchanged, a charge may still be filed if there was an alleged agreement.
Solicitation of Prostitution – Texas Penal Code § 43.021
This offense targets the buyer of sex. A person commits this offense if they knowingly offer or agree to pay another person for sexual conduct. In 2021, Texas made solicitation of prostitution a state jail felony, even for a first offense—making it the first state in the country to treat buying sex more severely than selling it.
Under this statute, no actual sexual activity is required. The mere act of offering or agreeing to exchange money for sex—often through text messages, phone calls, or verbal conversations during police stings—can be enough to result in arrest and prosecution. If the person allegedly solicited is underage, the charge can be enhanced to a second-degree felony, even if the accused did not know the other person was a minor.
Common Baytown Arrest Scenarios
Prostitution-related arrests in Baytown frequently arise from:
- Online sting operations (e.g., listings on Craigslist, Skip the Games, Tryst)
- Reverse stings where undercover officers pose as sex workers
- Local motel or hotel room operations
- Massage parlor raids
- Street-level undercover work
Many of these cases involve questionable tactics or unclear communication. In some situations, individuals are arrested for conduct that does not meet the legal definition of prostitution or solicitation.
Penalties for Prostitution and Solicitation
Texas imposes harsh penalties for both prostitution and solicitation, particularly for buyers. The severity of the charge depends on your role and prior criminal history:
For Prostitution (as the seller):
- First offense: Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine)
- Second offense: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 fine)
- Third or more offenses: State jail felony (6 months to 2 years in state jail)
For Solicitation (as the buyer):
- First offense: State jail felony (6 months to 2 years in state jail and up to a $10,000 fine)
- Second offense: Third-degree felony (2–10 years in prison)
- Soliciting a minor: Second-degree felony (2–20 years in prison)
In addition to jail time and fines, a conviction can carry long-lasting consequences, including:
- A permanent criminal record
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Damage to professional reputation and employment opportunities
- Loss of eligibility for certain licenses, housing, or educational programs
Defending a Prostitution or Solicitation Charge
At Ceja Law Firm, we examine every detail of your case and tailor your defense based on the evidence and circumstances. Potential defenses include:
- Lack of intent – No clear agreement or intent to exchange sex for money
- Insufficient evidence – Vague or ambiguous communication, poor audio or video, or incomplete recordings
- Illegal arrest or search – If your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation or arrest
- Entrapment – Although this can be a high burden, entrapment occurs when police officers induced you to commit an offense you otherwise wouldn’t have committed
Many cases in Baytown can be resolved through dismissal, reduction of charges, or pre-trial intervention—especially when handled early by an experienced defense attorney.
Keeping Your Record Clean
Depending on how your case is resolved, you may qualify for:
- Expunction – If your case is dismissed or you are acquitted you may be eligible to expunge a prostitution arrest
- Non-disclosure (record sealing) – If you receive deferred adjudication and successfully complete it
Ceja Law Firm regularly helps clients seal or clear their records, especially in prostitution and solicitation cases where privacy is crucial.
Arrested in Baytown? Contact Ceja Law Firm Today.
If you’ve been arrested for prostitution or solicitation of prostitution in Baytown, you don’t have to face the system alone. These charges are serious, but with the right legal strategy, they can often be resolved without a conviction—or even without a public record.
Ceja Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations. Contact us today to speak directly with a Board-Certified criminal defense attorney and begin building your defense.
