What is the penalty for solicitation of prostitution if previously convicted?

The correct answer reflects that if someone has previously been convicted of solicitation of prostitution, the penalty escalates from a misdemeanor to a more severe classification. In this case, the classification is a Third Degree Felony (3DF). This change in severity is important as it highlights how repeat offenses can lead to harsher penalties under the law, serving as a deterrent against recurring criminal behavior.

In Texas law, solicitation of prostitution is categorized based on the offender's history. Initially, solicitation can be a misdemeanor, but upon a second conviction, the law requires that the penalty be elevated to a felony level—specifically, a Third Degree Felony. This categorization emphasizes the legal system's approach to managing repeat offenders, particularly in crimes associated with prostitution, and reinforces the societal need to address such behaviors more seriously when they persist.

Understanding this elevation in penalties is crucial for law enforcement and legal professionals as it guides their responses and interventions in these situations, and helps inform the public about the consequences of solicitation offenses.