Michigan Prostitution and Solicitation Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed February 27, 2025
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Prostitution may be "the oldest profession," but that doesn't make it legal. In every state but Nevada, prostitution and solicitation are against the law. The crime of prostitution includes everything from those on the street corner to escort services and brothels to call-girl services.
While almost every state bans the act of prostitution, every state has different laws on this sex crime. Michigan is no different. Here, we'll review Michigan's prostitution laws and explain what the penalties are for this offense. We'll also briefly touch on the possible defenses to this crime.
How Does Michigan Law Define the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation?
Michigan law defines prostitution as engaging in sexual acts or lewdness in exchange for money or something of value. For solicitation, the State of Michigan specifically requires the act of accosting, enticing, or inviting a person out of a building or vehicle to have sex for money.
Most people envision a person walking the streets of Detroit looking for potential customers, or "johns." While this may be typical of some sex workers, this crime also includes people working as escorts who entice customers to meet them in motel rooms, bars, or other public places to perform sexual or "immoral acts" in exchange for money.
It's Illegal to Operate a House of Prostitution in Michigan
Not only is it illegal to practice sex work in Michigan, it's also illegal to run a house of prostitution (brothel). Michigan law calls these places "houses of ill-fame." According to Michigan Penal Code Section 750.452, anyone who maintains or operates one of these places may be guilty of a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Michigan Prostitution and Solicitation Statutes: Chart
It can be hard to navigate Michigan's statutes if you're not a member of law enforcement or a criminal defense lawyer. So, we have summarized these laws in the chart below. They are from the Michigan Penal Code and include the elements of each offense, be it a solicitation charge or charges for human trafficking.
| Code section | Michigan Penal Code, Prostitution and Solicitation, Sections 750.448 - 750.462 |
|---|---|
| What does Michigan law prohibit? | Prostitution: Engaging in sexual activity for money or payment. Solicitation of prostitution: Seeking sexual services for hire. Maintaining a house of ill-fame: Running a brothel or other building for purposes of prostitution. Inviting or coercing a minor to engage in prostitution: Forcing a person under 18 to engage in prostitution. Pandering or pimping: Forcing sex workers to turn over part of their earnings to you. This crime also includes the act of arranging for sexual conduct between prostitutes and johns. Sex trafficking: Forcing people to engage in sexual acts for money. This crime often involves transporting people from state to state (and country to country) to serve as prostitutes. Aiding, assisting, or abetting: Helping a person commit any of the above crimes. |
| Penalties | Most of the above crimes are misdemeanor offenses, and the penalties depend on the nature of the act and a defendant’s prior criminal history. If police catch you engaging in pandering, pimping, human sex trafficking, or employing a minor for prostitution, the state will charge you with a felony. The specific penalties for the above crimes are: Prostitution/solicitation: A first-offense conviction for this crime carries a jail sentence of up to 93 days and a fine of $500. The judge may also order probation, community service, and possible lifetime registration as a sex offender. A second offense conviction for solicitation or prostitution will result in a jail sentence of up to one year and fines of up to $1,000. A third offense is a felony, resulting in up to two years of jail time and fines of up to $2,000. Pandering/pimping: A conviction for pimping will result in a felony conviction, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Running a house of prostitution: If the court finds you guilty of this felony, you’ll face up to five years in jail and fines of up to $5,000. Engaging a minor in prostitution: This crime carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Aiding and abetting: This crime carries the same penalties as prostitution and solicitation. Human trafficking: This felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. If the victims are under 18, the sentence will increase to 15 years, and the fine will be $15,000. |
| Who can the state prosecute? | Prostitute, the customer (john), pimp, human trafficker, and operator or a “house of ill fame” |
| What is considered payment? | Money, gifts, favors, and other compensation |
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.
A Michigan Criminal Lawyer Can Help
If you're facing charges of prostitution, solicitation, or other sex crimes, you should talk to a skilled criminal defense lawyer. The state has the burden of proof in these criminal cases. But you'll be severely disadvantaged if you're unfamiliar with the law.
Consult a Michigan criminal defense attorney for legal advice. They'll review your case and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
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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