{"id":376995,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-04T16:26:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T21:26:22","slug":"virginia-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Prostitution and Solicitation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virginia Prostitution and Solicitation Laws<\/h1>\n
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\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
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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

Under Virginia law, prostitution<\/a> is a sex crime, and a conviction carries jail time and massive fines. Laws against sex work criminalize the proposal of, agreement to, or participation in any form of sexual act in exchange for money.<\/p>\r\n

If you need help with a sex work or prostitution charge, contact a criminal defense attorney<\/a> immediately.<\/p>\r\n

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

Virginia law defines prostitution<\/a> as trading sexual favors, fornication, or sexual contact for financial gain. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable with up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500.<\/p>\r\n

Solicitation<\/a> is also a crime in Virginia. So is the acquisition of or attempt to get sexual favors, sexual contact, or the like by paying another person for their services. These crimes carry the same penalties as prostitution.<\/p>\r\n

Since Virginia prostitution laws apply to the person paying for the sex act and the one providing illicit sexual intercourse, the state will charge both people. Regardless of whether you are soliciting services or providing them, you may want to consult a Virginia prostitution lawyer<\/a> for legal advice.<\/p>\r\n

Associated Crimes<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Pandering or promoting prostitution, commonly known as "pimping<\/a>" and human trafficking, carries even more severe punishments. Unlike simple prostitution, pandering is a felony offense. If you engage in any of the following acts, police may arrest you and charge you with pandering:<\/p>\r\n