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State Prostitution Laws

Many Americans believe that prostitution is a victimless crime. Some don’t believe that law enforcement has any business arresting people for pandering, prostitution, and other related sex crimes. They just don’t think the courts should treat people who offer sexual services for a fee the same way they treat hard criminals.

Like it or not, prostitution and solicitation for prostitution are illegal in America. There are state and federal laws banning prostitution, and most state penal codes have specific statutes dealing with this crime.

Nevada is the only state with legal prostitution. Here, you’ll find legal brothels and other houses of prostitution. But even in the State of Nevada, in places like Las Vegas, there are laws regulating sex work.

Here, we’ll briefly discuss how the state laws define prostitution and provide links to articles detailing the criminal laws in the U.S. dealing with prostitution, pimping, and related sex crimes.

State Prostitution Laws at a Glance

If you’re facing charges for prostitution, lewd and lascivious behavior, or unlawful sexual conduct, you should familiarize yourself with your state laws. You should know what kind of penalties a conviction of prostitution carries and what possible defenses are available to you.

Click on the state whose prostitution laws you want to learn about. You’ll find FindLaw articles dedicated to the act of prostitution and how the state handles this sexual offense and related offenses such as human trafficking, solicitation of prostitution, and managing a brothel.

If you're accused of these crimes make sure you have a lawyer to represent you and work toward the best possible outcome. 

These articles will break down the state statutes and describe the penalties for prostitution offenses, sex trafficking, and patronizing a sex worker.

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

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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

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