{"id":371826,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-prostitution-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-04T15:18:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T20:18:09","slug":"california-prostitution-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-prostitution-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Prostitution Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

California Prostitution Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Prostitution and soliciting prostitution are illegal in every state but Nevada. The act of prostitution<\/a> refers to a lewd act someone performs in exchange for money or something of value. California law prohibits prostitution as well as loitering<\/a> and solicitation of prostitution. Pandering to prostitution ("pimping<\/a>") is also a crime in the State of California.<\/p>\r\n

Under California\u2019s prostitution laws, to find you guilty of this sex crime<\/a>, the prosecution must prove that you engaged in sexual conduct or sexual intercourse with another person for money. If law enforcement catches you engaging in any of these behaviors, they\u2019ll arrest you and charge you with a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the facts of your case.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines California\u2019s prostitution laws, including the penalties and common defenses to this criminal offense. If you\u2019re facing prostitution or other criminal charges, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

How Does California Law Define Prostitution?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Most people are familiar with the crime of prostitution. However, every state has unique laws regarding prostitution and related sex crimes. Knowing these laws is crucial if you\u2019re a sex worker<\/a> or somebody who has engaged a prostitute in the past.<\/p>\r\n

For the prosecutor or district attorney to secure a conviction for prostitution, they must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. California Penal Code defines prostitution as follows:<\/p>\r\n