By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed September 10, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
Although prostitution often gets called the "world's oldest profession," it's not a legal profession in most places. Prostitution is legal only in Nevada. All other states in the United States have laws that make prostitution an illegal activity. The basic definition of prostitution is the exchanging of sex or sexual acts for money.
A term that often comes up when discussing prostitution is solicitation. Solicitation generally means a person is encouraging or asking someone to engage in criminal conduct. In the context of prostitution, solicitation refers to offering money in return for sex. In the state of Alaska, prostitution and solicitation are illegal under the same statute.
The following table outlines the basics of Alaska state laws on prostitution and solicitation.
| Code section | |
|---|---|
| What is prohibited? | A person commits the crime of prostitution if they:
|
| Penalty | The crime of prostitution is classified as either a class B misdemeanor or a class C felony depending on the circumstances. Prostitution is a class C felony if:
A Class C felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $50,000. A Class B misdemeanor conviction can lead to up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. |
| Promoting prostitution | Alaska law also addresses offenses related to promoting prostitution. These crimes are classified under different degrees:
|
| Defenses | For a Class C felony conviction, an affirmative defense is that the defendant reasonably believed the sex worker was at least 18 years of age and took reasonable steps to verify this. |
Note: There is a bill that could make an affirmative defense available to a person charged with prostitution under the class B misdemeanor crime if they are the victim of sex trafficking.
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.
Alaska's laws against sex trafficking are to prevent the exploitation of people through forced or coerced sexual activities. Under Alaska Statute 11.66.130, human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, or exploitation of people for commercial sex acts using force, fraud, or coercion.
Alaska law enforcement agencies and task forces throughout the state work to combat these crimes. They focus on cases of sexual exploitation where sex workers get manipulated or threatened. Offenses related to sex trafficking can result in severe penalties. This is especially true for first-degree sex trafficking, which is a Class A felony. Alaska law addresses various aspects of trafficking, from the use of force to large-scale operations.
If you find yourself facing legal issues related to Alaska's prostitution laws, it's crucial to seek legal advice from an Alaska criminal law attorney. Whether you're dealing with charges related to prostitution or are a victim of sex trafficking, an experienced attorney can offer essential guidance and support.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.