Solicitation of Prostitution Charges in Texas (2025): What You Need to Know
Texas takes a tough stance on prostitution-related offenses — and recent laws have made the penalties for solicitation of prostitution even more severe.
In fact, Texas is the first state in the nation to make solicitation a felony on the first offense. What may have once been considered a minor misdemeanor is now a life-altering charge with long-term consequences.
If you’ve been arrested for solicitation of prostitution in Fort Bend County or surrounding areas, here’s what you need to know — and how Attorney Lee D. Cox can help.
What Is Solicitation of Prostitution in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code § 43.021, a person commits the offense of solicitation if they:
“Knowingly offer or agree to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct.”
Important:
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You can be charged even if no sexual act occurred.
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Intent and agreement are enough — money does not need to change hands.
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Conversations or arrangements via text messages, websites, or apps may be used as evidence.
Why Is This a Felony Now?
In September 2021, Texas passed House Bill 1540, increasing the penalty for solicitation from a misdemeanor to a state jail felony — even on a first offense. The law aims to combat human trafficking by targeting demand.
Penalties for Solicitation of Prostitution in Texas (2025)
| Offense | Charge Level | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First Offense | State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years in jail, up to $10,000 fine |
| Prior Conviction(s) | 3rd Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine |
| Soliciting a Minor | 2nd Degree Felony or Higher | 2 – 20 years (or up to life), depending on age of the minor |
In addition to jail time and fines, consequences may include:
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Sex offender registration (in some cases involving minors)
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Permanent criminal record
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Damage to career, family, and reputation
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Immigration consequences (for non-citizens)
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Public embarrassment due to online stings or media coverage
Common Situations That Lead to Solicitation Charges
Many clients are charged in one of the following situations:
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Online stings on classified ad websites or apps
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Undercover police officers posing as sex workers
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Surveillance and audio recordings from hotels or public places
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Text messages or chats interpreted as evidence of intent
In many cases, the person charged never actually met with or paid anyone. Intent, however, is often enough for arrest and prosecution under Texas law.
Legal Defenses to Solicitation Charges in Texas
If you’re facing solicitation charges, all is not lost. Attorney Lee D. Cox will evaluate your case for potential defenses such as:
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No agreement was made
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Entrapment by law enforcement
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Misidentification or mistaken identity
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Lack of intent to actually complete the act
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Unlawful search or seizure of digital evidence or devices
Every detail matters — from how the investigation was conducted to how law enforcement handled your arrest.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Charged?
Here’s what to do immediately if you’re facing solicitation of prostitution charges in Texas:
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Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney
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Preserve any digital evidence (texts, emails, chat logs)
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Avoid posting on social media
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Call an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away
Even if this is your first time in trouble, the court system won’t go easy. You need aggressive legal advocacy.
Arrested for Solicitation in Fort Bend County? Call Lee D. Cox.
Attorney Lee D. Cox has been defending Texans for over 20 years. He knows how solicitation cases are investigated and prosecuted in Richmond, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, and throughout Southeast Texas.
Whether your case involves a sting operation, online communication, or a misunderstanding, Lee will fight to protect your reputation and future.
📞 Take Action Today
A solicitation charge can ruin your record — and your life. Don’t face it alone. Call 281-762-7345 now for a confidential consultation with Fort Bend criminal defense attorney Lee D. Cox.