{"id":376044,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:30","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-prostitution-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-30T07:57:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T12:57:10","slug":"pennsylvania-prostitution-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-prostitution-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Prostitution Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Prostitution Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/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 illegal in every state but Nevada. Most states, including Pennsylvania, have laws against the solicitation of prostitution<\/a> as well. If law enforcement catches you either offering or requesting to have sex for money, they\u2019ll arrest you and charge you with a prostitution-related sex crime.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This article explains Pennsylvania law regarding prostitution and prostitution of a minor, including the criminal penalties these charges carry. Not only will offenders face jail time, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender, but they’ll have a criminal record for years.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re facing any type of prostitution charges<\/a>, consider consulting an experienced criminal defense lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of Pennsylvania Prostitution Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Under Pennsylvania law, prostitution involves a person performing sexual acts for money or something of value. One doesn\u2019t necessarily have to run a prostitution business to face prostitution charges. You may be guilty of these criminal charges even if you only performed sexual acts for money a single time.<\/p>\r\n

The State of Pennsylvania criminalizes promoting and pandering to prostitution as well. If you\u2019re a pimp<\/a> or operate a house of prostitution, you\u2019ll face enhanced charges.<\/p>\r\n

The state prosecutor can also charge an individual who loiters in a public place seeking opportunities to engage in prostitution. You\u2019ll also face charges if you\u2019re patronizing prostitutes at a brothel or house of prostitution.<\/p>\r\n

Pennsylvania\u2019s Prostitution Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Pennsylvania has laws against prostitution, the promotion of prostitution, and solicitation of prostitution. You’ll face severe penalties if the court finds you guilty of any of these criminal charges. Even if you\u2019re a first-time offender, seek legal advice<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Pennsylvania Prostitution Laws Statute<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Penn. Statutes Title 18, \u00a7 5902<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Statutory Definition of Prostitution in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

A person is guilty of prostitution if they:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Are an inmate of a house of prostitution or otherwise engages in sexual activity for money<\/li>\r\n
  • Loiter in a public place for the purpose of prostitution<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Grading of the Offenses Under Pennsylvania Prostitution Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

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  • First or second offense<\/b>: Misdemeanor of the third degree.<\/li>\r\n
  • Third offense<\/b>: Second-degree misdemeanor charges.<\/li>\r\n
  • Fourth or subsequent offense<\/b>: Misdemeanor of the first-degree charge.<\/li>\r\n
  • If the defendant knows they were HIV positive (human immunodeficiency virus) or knew they had HIV\/AIDS (immune deficiency syndrome)<\/b>: Felony of the third degree<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Promoting Prostitution Under Pennsylvania Prostitution Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Promotion of prostitution<\/b>: Between a second-degree misdemeanor to third-degree felony charges, depending on the facts of the case<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Patronizing Prostitutes Under Pennsylvania Prostitution Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Charged for hiring someone to engage in sexual activity or enter a house of prostitution for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Defenses to Prostitution Charges<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

As with other sex crimes and related offenses, there are potential defenses your criminal defense attorney can raise. These include the following:<\/p>\r\n