By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed September 02, 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.
Prostitution and solicitation for prostitution are illegal in every state but Nevada. Georgia law defines prostitution as the act of offering, performing, or consenting to sexual acts for payment. Solicitation involves a person seeking sexual services for hire. The state can prosecute the prostitute and the customer, frequently known as a "John," under the law.
Here, we’ll explain Georgia’s prostitution laws, including the penalties for prostitution-related offenses. If you’re facing prostitution charges or other sex offense, you should consult a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Even if the penalties seem minor, they can affect your personal and professional lives.
Georgia prostitution laws ban several behaviors related to the act of prostitution. Specifically, the Georgia Code criminalizes the following acts:
The law is less clear when it comes to using an escort service. If you engage an escort service for prostitution, you may face criminal charges. For example, if law enforcement catches you paying an escort for sexual intercourse or any other sexual act, they will arrest you and charge you with the crime of prostitution. You may also face charges for solicitation of prostitution.
Human trafficking has become a major issue in the US today. The State of Georgia is home to one of the nation's toughest crackdowns on human trafficking. The penalties for people who run sex trafficking rings are steep, including a prison term of five to 20 years and fines from $2,500 to $10,000.
If the human trafficking victim is under 16 years of age, the state will charge you with a felony, and a conviction is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Also, victims of human trafficking have an affirmative defense against prosecution if they were trafficked for sexual servitude.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual trafficking, consider seeking help. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Prostitution is illegal in Georgia. And the penalties for sexual offenses involving a minor are severe. It's a felony, and a conviction will result in jail time, fines, and possible registration as a sex offender.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Georgia's prostitution and solicitation laws, including the penalties for a prostitution conviction.
Also see State Prostitution Laws and Sex Crimes for more information.
| Code sections | Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) §16-6-9 through §16-6-17 |
|---|---|
| What is prohibited | Prostitution: It is illegal to offer to perform or perform the act of sexual intercourse for money or items of value. Solicitation: Seeking sexual services for hire. |
| Penalties | Prostitution and solicitation are misdemeanors in Georgia. The penalties depend on the nature of the act and the defendant’s criminal history. These penalties may include:
Enhanced felony penalties for solicitation of underage sex or sodomy include fines from $1,000 to $5,000 and jail time. Regardless of whether the state convicts you of a misdemeanor or felony, it will remain on your criminal record. |
| Who can be prosecuted | The sex worker and the customer |
| What is considered payment? | Money, gifts, favors, and other compensation |
Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a criminal defense attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.
Sex crime laws can be challenging to navigate, especially if you aren’t a criminal law attorney. If you’re facing prostitution or solicitation charges, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.
A skilled Georgia criminal defense attorney can answer any questions you have, explain the law, and vigorously defend your interests in court.
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.