By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed August 08, 2024
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Prostitution and solicitation are illegal in every state but Nevada.
Under Kentucky's prostitution and solicitation laws, it is illegal to pay for or sell sexual favors. It's also illegal to promote or profit from prostitution and other sexual activities. If you're facing prostitution charges, you should familiarize yourself with Kentucky law, especially as it relates to the penalties for these sex crimes.
Most prostitution offenses in Kentucky are misdemeanors. But, depending on the facts of your case, the state may charge you with a felony. It's a good idea to consult a criminal defense lawyer right away. You should also be aware of the penalties for the criminal charges against you.
The following tables highlight Kentucky's main prostitution and solicitation laws.
| Code section | Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 529.020: Prostitution |
|---|---|
| What's prohibited? | Under KRS 529.020, it’s illegal to engage in "sexual conduct" with another person in exchange for something of value. It's also illegal to offer to perform sexual acts for money. |
| What's sexual conduct? | Sexual conduct includes sexual intercourse or any act of sexual gratification involving the sex organs. |
| Corroboration | The state cannot convict you of prostitution solely on the uncorroborated testimony of a patron. |
Affirmative defense |
Being a victim of human trafficking is an affirmative defense to the crime of prostitution. |
| Penalties | Kentucky law treats prostitution as a Class B misdemeanor. A conviction carries a possible 90-day jail sentence and a $250 fine. |
| Code section | Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 529.040: Promoting Prostitution |
|---|---|
| What's prohibited? | Knowingly "advancing prostitution" or profiting from the crime. |
What's "advancing prostitution"? |
Advancing prostitution happens when someone knowingly causes or helps a person engage in prostitution, solicits patrons for prostitution, or provides premises for prostitution to take place. |
| Affirmative defense | Being a victim of human trafficking is an affirmative defense to the crime of promoting prostitution. |
| Penalties | Under Kentucky law, this crime qualifies as a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction for promoting prostitution carries a potential prison sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of up to $500. It's a Class D felony to own or manage a brothel or other location for prostitution. You may face anywhere from one to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. |
Note: State laws are constantly changing. Contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.
It's a crime to allow prostitution to take place on your property. Property owners must try to stop the behavior or the state can charge them with a Class B misdemeanor. In Kentucky, this carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $250 fine.
Kentucky's prostitution and solicitation laws also make it illegal to loiter or remain in a public place to engage in or offer to engage in prostitution. Violating this statute can result in a Class B misdemeanor.
In Kentucky, the state can' prosecute minors for prostitution. If a law enforcement officer suspects that a child under 18 is engaging in prostitution or loitering for prostitution purposes, they will issue a report. The state may take the child into protective custody, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services will investigate the child's dependency, neglect, or abuse.
If you're facing prostitution or solicitation charges, seek legal advice immediately. While the penalties may not seem severe, a conviction will affect your personal and professional lives. In some cases, the judge may even order you to register as a sex offender.
A skilled Kentucky criminal defense attorney will help secure the best possible outcome in your case.
State laws change frequently. Contact a local criminal defense attorney for case-specific information about Kentucky's prostitution and solicitation laws.
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