Being accused of solicitation can be shocking, embarrassing, and frightening. You may be worried about your job, your family, and who will find out about the charge. At Lance Kennedy Law, we represent people facing solicitation allegations in Austin and across Texas, and we work to protect both their record and their reputation.
These cases move quickly in the criminal courts, and early decisions can shape the outcome. You might already have a court date or you may still be waiting to hear what will happen next. Our firm focuses on Texas criminal law, and we guide clients through this process every day.
When you contact us, you speak with a criminal defense attorney who has handled serious cases from both sides of the courtroom. We take the time to understand what happened, explain your options in plain language, and build a strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case.
To make informed decisions, you need to understand what you are actually accused of. In Texas, solicitation charges often arise from communications that law enforcement claims show an offer or agreement for paid sexual conduct. These communications may involve text messages, online ads, chat apps, or recorded conversations with undercover officers.
In Austin and nearby communities, many cases begin with undercover operations by local police departments. Officers may post online ads, respond to messages, or arrange meetings at hotels or other locations. The resulting evidence can include screenshots, recorded calls, video, and reports written by officers. It is common for clients to feel that the conversations were taken out of context or that they were pushed into making statements they did not intend.
Solicitation charges can carry serious criminal penalties. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction can mean fines, probation, court-ordered classes, and the possibility of time in county jail. The specific range often depends on factors such as prior record, whether this is part of a broader investigation, and how the alleged conduct is classified under Texas law.
The legal penalties are only part of the picture. A solicitation conviction can appear on a background check, which may affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, and housing applications. For non-citizens, any offense involving alleged sexual conduct or moral turpitude can also raise immigration concerns, and these risks need to be evaluated carefully with qualified counsel.
Every case is different, and there is no single outcome that fits all situations. Some cases may be resolved through negotiation or programs that focus on rehabilitation and education, while others may require litigation in the courtroom. As a solicitation criminal lawyer, our role is to examine the evidence closely, explain the realistic ranges of outcomes, and help you choose the path that best protects your future.
Defenses & Our Approach
When you are accused of solicitation, it may feel like the evidence is already stacked against you. In reality, these cases often raise complex questions about intent, communication, and law enforcement tactics. At Lance Kennedy Law, we start by examining every piece of evidence with a critical eye.
Investigations often rely on messages or recordings that can be interpreted in different ways. We look at whether the language truly reflects an agreement for illegal conduct, whether key parts of the conversation are missing, and whether the officer’s reports are consistent with the actual communications. In some cases, there may be disputes about who controlled the phone or device used to send messages.
We also evaluate how the undercover operation was conducted. Courts allow law enforcement to run stings, but they also recognize limits. When officers pressure someone, change the terms repeatedly, or steer conversations into illegal territory, questions can arise about whether the accused person actually initiated or intended the conduct. Our analysis considers whether the police conduct was appropriate under Texas law and whether any constitutional issues are present.
Because our attorney previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney and a Federal Assistant District Attorney in Austin, we understand how charging decisions are made and how plea offers are crafted. That perspective helps us assess the strength of the government’s case, identify leverage points in negotiation, and prepare the file as if it may ultimately go to trial. We know the concerns that prosecutors bring to the table in solicitation matters, and we speak that language when advocating for our clients.
Our goal in every case is to protect the client’s long-term interests. That can include working to avoid a conviction, seeking to minimize penalties, and exploring outcomes that reduce the impact on employment and reputation. While we cannot promise specific results, we can commit to a thorough review and a strategy that reflects the realities of the evidence and the practices of the courts here.
When we defend a solicitation case, we focus on several key steps:
Carefully review all reports, recordings, and digital communications for inconsistencies or missing context.
Identify legal issues involving intent, police conduct, or the way the operation was designed.
Discuss your history and concerns so the strategy reflects what matters most to you.
Communicate with prosecutors to understand their view of the case and explore options.
Prepare for hearings and trial when necessary, using our extensive Texas and federal trial experience.
Throughout this process, we maintain open communication with you. We explain each stage, review options before decisions are made, and work to ensure that you are never left guessing about what comes next in the courts serving Austin.
I appreciate his compassion and proactive strategy that got my son the best possible outcome.
“Lance took the time to talk to me explained the process and scenarios, he answered all my questions I felt completely confident he was the one we needed to represent my son.”
- Jenny B.
I highly recommend Lance for your legal needs.
“Lance Kennedy Law provided excellent service when I needed legal representation for a family member. Their communication was prompt, keeping me up to date on our case.”
- Sandy S.
All in all, I’d give him a 10/10! Great job!
“He was very professional, answered all my questions in a timely matter. Even on the same day”
If you have just been arrested or cited for solicitation, you may feel pressure to act quickly and may not know where to start. Taking a few deliberate steps now can make a real difference later. You do not have to navigate this alone, and you do not have to speak to law enforcement without legal guidance.
Most solicitation cases in this area are handled in the criminal courts that serve Austin and Travis County. You will typically receive a notice for a first appearance or arraignment. Missing that date can lead to additional problems, so it is important to keep track of any documents you were given at the time of the arrest.
Helpful steps to protect yourself after a solicitation accusation include:
Do not discuss the details of the case with friends, coworkers, or on social media.
Preserve any messages, emails, or call logs related to the incident rather than deleting them.
Write down what you remember about how the conversation began and unfolded while it is still fresh.
Avoid contacting anyone you believe may be tied to the investigation.
Speaking with a solicitation criminal attorney can help you understand what the paperwork means, what the potential penalties look like in your situation, and whether there are immediate steps we should take with the court. When you call Lance Kennedy Law, your consultation is confidential, and our conversations are protected by the attorney client relationship.
We know it can be difficult to reach out because of the nature of the charge. Our team approaches these cases without judgment. Our focus is on understanding what happened, protecting your rights, and working toward the best available outcome for your circumstances in Austin.
To talk with an Austin solicitation criminal attorney about your case and next steps, call (737) 324-7540.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a solicitation charge stay on my record?
A solicitation charge can appear on your criminal record if it results in a conviction. In some situations, it may be possible to pursue outcomes that reduce the long-term impact, depending on the facts and your history. We review your options and explain how Texas law applies to your case.
Am I going to jail for solicitation?
Jail is a possibility in some solicitation cases, but it is not automatic. The risk depends on your prior record, the exact charge, and how the case is handled in the Austin courts. We assess those factors, explain your exposure, and work to pursue options that reduce the chance of incarceration.
How does your prosecution background help my case?
Our prior roles as an Assistant United States Attorney and Federal Assistant District Attorney mean we understand how prosecutors evaluate solicitation cases. We know how charging decisions are made and what influences plea offers. That insight helps us identify weaknesses in the evidence and negotiate from a position of informed strength.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after learning of the charge. Early involvement lets us review evidence, advise you before court appearances, and address issues before they become harder to fix. Speaking with a solicitation criminal lawyer Austin residents trust can help you avoid missteps at the start.
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.
1
Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
2
Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
3
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.
