{"id":375054,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-20T16:34:50","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T21:34:50","slug":"new-jersey-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Prostitution and Solicitation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey Prostitution and Solicitation Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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 is considered a sex crime in New Jersey, and a conviction carries jail time and mandatory registration as a sex offender. New Jersey law treats prostitution<\/a> and solicitation<\/a> as the same crime, regardless of whether you are soliciting services or providing them. The state charges offenders under the same statute.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re facing prostitution charges, you should familiarize yourself with New Jersey\u2019s prostitution laws. The same is true if the police have arrested you and charged you with solicitation of prostitution, promoting prostitution, or pimping.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll explain how New Jersey\u2019s prostitution and solicitation laws work. We will also describe the penalties for these criminal offenses and discuss any possible defenses. Contact a local criminal defense lawyer<\/a> if you still have questions about this topic.<\/p>\r\n

Defining Prostitution and Solicitation<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

New Jersey law<\/a> defines prostitution as offering, asking, or engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money or something of economic value. First-time offenders may not realize the police can arrest them and file solicitation charges merely for asking a prostitute how much it will cost to engage in sex. However, that\u2019s all it takes.<\/p>\r\n

What may feel like an innocent, victimless crime can lead to a criminal record, jail time, and fines. You may face criminal charges if you do any of the following prostitution offenses:<\/p>\r\n