Arkansas Prostitution and Solicitation Laws
Nevada is currently the only U.S. state where the act of prostitution is legal. Arkansas prostitution laws criminalize the act of having sex for money. It’s also illegal in Arkansas to offer to have sex for money or request someone to perform sexual acts for money.
If law enforcement catches you doing any of these things, you’ll face charges for prostitution or solicitation of prostitution. Most of these offenses carry minor penalties, even if it’s a subsequent offense. Some related sex crimes carry felony charges with severe consequences, including having to register as a sex offender.
This article explains Arkansas prostitution laws. It also describes the penalties for prostitution and solicitation of prostitution before examining defenses to these offenses.
Arkansas Prostitution Laws at a Glance
It can be challenging to navigate the dense legalese of Arkansas criminal statutes. It’s much easier to understand the charges you may be facing when you can read them in plain English. Below is a breakdown of Arkansas prostitution and solicitation laws.
Arkansas Prostitution Laws Code Section |
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What’s Prohibited Under Arkansas Prostitution Laws? |
A defendant is guilty of prostitution if they engage or promise to engage in sexual activity for a fee or something of value. |
Definition of Sexual Activity Under Arkansas Prostitution Laws |
Sexual activity is any form of sexual intercourse, deviant sexual activity, or sexual contact. |
Penalties Under Arkansas Prostitution Laws |
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Possible Defenses |
An affirmative defense to this crime is being a victim of human trafficking. |
Sexual Solicitation
Not only is it a crime to perform sexual acts for money, but it is also a crime to solicit prostitution. In Arkansas, it is a crime to either pay or offer to pay someone to engage in sexual acts.
The table below outlines Arkansas’s sexual solicitation laws.
Arkansas Solicitation Laws Code Section |
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What’s Prohibited Under Arkansas Solicitation Laws? |
Offering or agreeing to pay a person to engage in sexual activity Soliciting or requesting a person to engage in sexual activity for a fee |
Definition of Sexual Activity Under Arkansas Solicitation Laws |
Sexual activity is any form of sexual intercourse, deviant sexual activity, or sexual contact. |
Penalties Under Arkansas Solicitation Laws |
A conviction of solicitation also results in a $250 fine. |
Possible Defenses |
It is an affirmative defense that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking. |
Promoting Prostitution
Under Arkansas’ prostitution laws, it is also a crime to promote prostitution by forcing someone to engage in prostitution, operating a house of prostitution, or advancing prostitution in some other way. Below is an outline of Arkansas’s laws against this sex crime.
Arkansas Promoting Prostitution Laws Code Section |
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What’s Prohibited Under Arkansas Promoting Prostitution Laws? |
First-degree:
Second-degree:
Third-degree:
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Penalties Under Arkansas Promoting Prostitution Laws |
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Misdemeanor and Felony Penalties in Arkansas
The criminal penalties for the above sex crimes depend on the level of the offense.
The penalties for prostitution-related crimes in Arkansas are as follows:
- Class A misdemeanor: This offense is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment of up to one year
- Class B misdemeanor: A conviction will result in a $1,000 fine and imprisonment for up to 90 days
- Class D Felony: Punishable by a $1,000 fine and imprisonment for up to six years
Seek Legal Advice From an Arkansas Criminal Law Attorney
State laws change often. If you’re facing prostitution or solicitation charges, consider contacting a local criminal defense attorney. You’ll face severe penalties if a law enforcement officer arrests you as part of a sting operation or a routine stop by law enforcement.
Even if the state charges you with a misdemeanor, it will still impact your personal and professional lives. An experienced criminal lawyer will work to gain you an acquittal, a plea bargain, or the best defense possible.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex cases usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Sexual assaults & sex crime convictions often have long sentences and lifelong consequences
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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