If you have recently been arrested or cited for prostitution in Austin, you are likely worried about what this means for your future. Many people in your position feel a mix of fear, embarrassment, and confusion, and they are unsure whom they can safely talk to. A prostitution attorney can help you understand what you are facing and what can be done to protect your record and your reputation.
At Lance Kennedy Law, we focus our legal practice on criminal defense in Texas, including prostitution and related charges. We know how quickly a single encounter, text conversation, or undercover operation can turn into a criminal case in an Austin or Travis County courtroom. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, steady representation, and a path forward that considers not just your case today, but your life tomorrow.
Understanding Prostitution Charges in the Austin Area
To make informed decisions, you need a clear picture of what a prostitution charge means under Texas law and how these cases typically move through courts in this part of the state. In general terms, prostitution laws in Texas cover offering, agreeing to, or engaging in sexual conduct for a fee. These cases can arise from street-level encounters, online ads, or messages arranged through websites and apps.
In the Austin area, prostitution-related charges are usually filed in Travis County courts or in municipal or county courts that serve the location where the alleged conduct occurred. The specific court often depends on factors such as the level of the charge and whether you have prior convictions. A first accusation may be treated differently from a case that involves prior prostitution or other criminal history. Some situations can be charged as misdemeanors, while others may be enhanced under certain circumstances, which can increase the potential penalties.
Possible consequences can include fines, probation, community supervision, mandatory programs, and in some cases the possibility of jail time, depending on the level of the offense and your prior record. A conviction can also create a criminal record that may appear in background checks for employment, housing, or professional licensing. For noncitizens, prostitution-related convictions can carry immigration risks that must be evaluated carefully with appropriate legal counsel.
No two cases are identical, and outcomes depend on many variables, including the evidence, the specific charge, any prior history, and how prosecutors and courts in this area have handled similar matters. Our role is to analyze those factors in your case, explain what they may mean for you, and work to find paths that reduce the long term impact whenever possible.
What To Do Right After a Prostitution Arrest or Citation
Protect Your Rights & Your Privacy
The steps you take in the hours and days after a prostitution arrest or citation can influence both your case and your stress level. The first priority is to avoid making statements that could be misunderstood or used against you later. You have the right to remain silent, and you typically do not have to answer questions about the allegations without a lawyer present. It is often wise to politely decline to discuss the details and to clearly ask to speak with an attorney.
It is also important to protect your privacy. Many people feel the urge to explain what happened to friends or to post about the situation on social media. Those conversations and posts can sometimes end up in the hands of law enforcement or employers. A safer approach is to keep discussions about the case between you and your lawyer, and to avoid sharing specific details with anyone else.
Organize Your Documents & Information
Keep every document you receive, including citations, bond paperwork, and any notice that lists your court date. These documents typically include information about which court in or near Austin will handle your case and when you are required to appear. Missing a court date can create new legal problems, so it helps to store these papers in a safe place and consider making copies or digital photos for your records.
Many clients find it helpful to write down what they remember about the encounter or arrest while the details are still fresh. Notes about conversations, locations, times, and any witnesses may assist your attorney in reconstructing events. You should keep these notes private and share them only with your lawyer, since they can help with preparing your defense.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Promptly
Finally, consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer promptly. By speaking with counsel early, you give your attorney more time to review the evidence, advise you about bond and conditions, and prepare for the first appearance in court. Our role at Lance Kennedy Law is to guide you through these early decisions and to help you avoid missteps that could make your situation harder to address.
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“He was very professional, answered all my questions in a timely matter. Even on the same day”
Will I have to go to jail for a prostitution charge?
Whether jail is a realistic risk in a prostitution case depends on several factors. These include the level of the charge, any prior criminal history, the specific facts alleged, and how prosecutors and judges in the relevant court have tended to handle similar cases. For some first-time charges, courts may be open to options that focus on fines, probation, or other conditions, although this is not guaranteed.
As a firm that focuses on criminal defense, we look at your background, the evidence, and the local practices in the court where your case is pending. We then explain what ranges of outcomes are common in situations like yours. Our work is to advocate for the least restrictive result that is realistic under the circumstances, while being honest with you about the risks. The earlier we can evaluate your case, the more time we have to develop a strategy that aims to avoid or reduce any jail exposure where possible.
Can you keep a prostitution charge off my record?
No ethical attorney can promise to keep any charge off your record in every situation, because the outcome depends on facts, law, and decisions made by others in the system. In many prostitution cases, there may be options to seek reductions, alternative resolutions, or paths that could limit the long term impact on your record, depending on your history and the strength of the case. The availability of those options varies from case to case.
Our approach is to review the evidence, your prior record, and how similar matters have been handled in the local courts. We then discuss what outcomes may be realistically available and what steps we can take to work toward them. Our goal is to protect your future as much as the law and the facts allow, while making sure you understand what each possible resolution might mean for employment, housing, or other aspects of your life.
When should I contact a prostitution lawyer about my case?
It is usually beneficial to speak with a lawyer as soon as reasonably possible after an arrest or citation. Early involvement gives your prostitution lawyer time to review the facts, evaluate the evidence, and advise you on how to handle upcoming court dates. It also means you have someone to call when questions arise about bond conditions, travel, or what you should and should not say about the case.
At Lance Kennedy Law, we encourage potential clients to reach out promptly so that we can begin assessing the situation and explaining the local process. Even if you are unsure about next steps, a consultation can help clarify what you are facing and what options may exist. Acting sooner rather than later can help you avoid missteps and can provide some peace of mind during a stressful period.
Confidential Consultation About Your Prostitution Charge
A prostitution charge in the Austin area is serious, but you do not have to face it alone or without a plan. With a focused criminal defense practice in Texas and a background that includes federal prosecution, extensive trial work, and work with major law enforcement agencies, we are prepared to guide you through the local court process and work to protect your record and your future. Our role is to provide clear information, thoughtful strategy, and steady support, not judgment.
If you are looking for a prostitution attorney Austin clients can call to discuss their situation in confidence, we invite you to contact Lance Kennedy Law. We will listen to what happened, review your paperwork, and explain how cases like yours typically proceed in this part of Texas so you can make informed decisions about the road ahead.
If you were arrested for DWI, our firm can help you build a strategic defense to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Some common legal strategies include:
Unlawful traffic stops. Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, such as speeding or swerving. If the DWI stop was unlawful, we can challenge the evidence against you and fight for dismissed or reduced charges.
Lack of probable cause. Law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you for DWI. If the officer arrested you without sufficient evidence of intoxication, we can file a motion to suppress all evidence gathered after the arrest.
Improper field sobriety tests. Standardized tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are frequently used to establish probable cause, but are often subjective and influenced by outside factors. We challenge the administration and accuracy of FSTs to prove they were improperly conducted or inconclusive.
Inaccurate chemical test results. Breath and blood tests can be inaccurate due to improper calibration or operator error. Medical conditions like diabetes and acid reflux can also mimic intoxication and cause false positives. We can identify any testing errors to dismiss inadmissible evidence from your case.
If you were charged with DWI on I-610, your driver’s license may be suspended unless you request an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. ALR cases are separate civil proceedings handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe can result in automatic license suspension, making it crucial to consult a knowledgeable DIW defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can request an ALR hearing on your behalf and work tirelessly to restore your driving privileges.
No. While an aggravated DWI is not always a felony, it can elevate standard charges to a higher misdemeanor class or felony, depending on the specific aggravating factor involved.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
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Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
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Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
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Get Your Life Back
Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
