The Dallas-Fort Worth area is no stranger to high profile sporting events. The NBA All-Star game this year brought in many out-of-town guests to the area. In February, the city hosts Super Bowl XLV at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Fans and businesses from throughout the country will bring millions of dollars into the local economy. But where fans and money gather, crime is sure to follow. Over 40,000 prostitutes converged on the area for the NBA game, with even more expected to be heading to the region for the Super Bowl.
In an effort to prevent problems, police proposed a prostitute-free zone for the stadium district. Even though similar cities have such a zone in place, the plan was rejected by the Arlington City Council. Police examined prostitution arrests over the past four years, and determined that the majority of arrests occurred in the entertainment district, where the stadiums are located. Under the terms of the proposal, those that have been charged with prostitution-related crimes over the past two years would have received a map of the zone. Police could arrest suspected prostitutes if they were present in the zone without a legitimate reason.
Punishments for solicitation of prostitution can be severe. Violation of prostitution laws is a Class B misdemeanor, which means that the offender will face of a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. If the offender has been convicted of one or two prior prostitution-related crimes, the charges could be a Class A misdemeanor. This includes a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. Three or more convictions could result in felony charges. In addition to these penalties, Arlington also posts photos of those arrested for prostitution-related crimes on its police department website.
Dallas-Fort Worth and Arlington police will be cracking down hard on Super Bowl prostitution. Stings and other enforcement techniques will be in use during major events in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. Those convicted of prostitution or solicitation will have these crimes on their record for all to see. For businesspersons or professionals, that stigma could possibly be career-ending. If you have been accused of a prostitution-related crime, contact an attorney in the area of your arrest to learn what you can do to protect yourself.
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