Texas Penal Code

§ 8.09 — VICTIM OF TRAFFICKING OR COMPELLING PROSTITUTION

PE § 8.09Title 2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY · Ch. 8. GENERAL DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

Statute text

(a)Except as provided by Subsection (b), it is an affirmative defense to prosecution that the actor:

(1)was a victim of an offense under Section 20A.02 or 43.05; and

(2)engaged in the conduct that is the subject of the prosecution as a direct result of being caused, through means of force, fraud, or coercion as described by Subsection (c), to engage in that specific conduct.

(b)Subsection (a) applies only if:

(1)the actor would not have engaged in the conduct that is the subject of the prosecution but for the use of force, fraud, or coercion;

(2)the use of force, fraud, or coercion would have compelled a reasonable person in the actor's circumstances to engage in the conduct;

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Legislative history

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 14 (S.B. 11), Sec. 1, eff. December 4, 2025.