Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
Like many other states, in Mississippi it is a crime to engage in prostitution (having sex for money), solicitation (paying for sex), or pimping (procuring a prostitute). However, unlike some states, it is also illegal to rent a vehicle or structure such as an apartment or hotel, knowing that it will be used for prostitution purposes. The Magnolia State also prohibits a person from directing or attempting to direct a person to a prostitute or place of prostitution. For example, if a person has knowledge of a brothel and comes across another person who is looking for that type of place, simply pointing them in the right direction can be a crime.
It is also a crime to transport or attempt to transport a person to a prostitute or place of prostitution. Therefore, even if you mean well by giving a friend a ride, if you know that he or she is attempting to visit a prostitute or brothel, you may be committing a crime. The following is a brief summary of Mississippi prostitution and solicitation laws.
The following table outlines prostitution and solicitation laws in Mississippi.
| Code Sections | MISS. CODE ANN. §§ 97-29-49, 97-29-51, and 97-29-53 |
| What is Prohibited? | Prostitution and Solicitation: Engaging in prostitution, aiding, procuring, or soliciting a prostitute, residing, entering, remaining or receiving a person in any place or structure including buildings and vehicles for prostitution purposes, keeping or setting up a prostitution business, renting or contracting to rent a vehicle or structure knowing it is intended for prostitution, directing, taking, transporting or attempting to direct, take, or transport a person to a prostitute or a place of prostitution Pimping (a.k.a. procuring prostitutes): Procuring a female inmate for prostitution, causing, persuading, or encouraging a female to become a prostitute, remain in a place of prostitution, or leave the state for prostitution purposes, receiving, giving, or agreeing to receive or give a thing of value for doing any of the above, or knowingly accepting or receiving money or other thing of value from a prostitute with the prostitute receiving nothing of value in return |
| Penalties | Prostitution, solicitation, and pimping are punishable by up to 6 months in prison and up to $200 in fines. |
The consequences of a prostitution or a prostitution-related crime are severe. If you're charged with any of the above offenses, you may want to consult with a Mississippi criminal defense attorney. You can also visit FindLaw's sections on Prostitution, Solicitation, and Pimping and Pandering Laws for more articles and information on these topics.
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