North Carolina Prostitution and Solicitation Laws
Prostitution and solicitation are illegal in every state except Nevada. North Carolina’s prostitution laws ban several activities related to sex work.
Under North Carolina law, it is unlawful to:
- Engage in sexual acts in exchange for money or something of value
- Seeking or engaging in sexual contact or sexual conduct with a sex worker for money (solicitation of prostitution)
- Abetting, pimping, or pandering to prostitution
- Promoting or participating in child prostitution
In 2013, the North Carolina General Assembly repealed the state laws against loitering for prostitution.
If you’re facing prostitution charges, you should understand North Carolina’s sex crime laws.
Which Sexual Acts Qualify Under State Prostitution Laws?
The state doesn’t have to prove you engaged in vaginal intercourse with a third party to charge you with prostitution. You can be guilty of a prostitution-related sex crime if you request or engage in any of the following acts in exchange for something of value:
- Oral sex
- Anal sex
- Masturbation
- Fondling
If law enforcement arrests you for this offense, you’ll face jail time and fines and may have to register as a sex offender.
North Carolina’s Prostitution Laws at a Glance
We have created the table below to highlight the main provisions of North Carolina’s prostitution and solicitation laws.
| Code section | North Carolina General Statutes § 14-203 et seq. Prostitution: §14-204 Solicitation: §14-205.1 Pimping/pandering: §14-205.3 Child prostitution: §14-190.13 |
|---|---|
| What is prohibited? | Prostitution: Engaging in sexual activity for money or payment Solicitation: Seeking or engaging in sexual services for hire Pimping/pandering: Compelling a person to become a prostitute or receiving part of the earnings from a prostitute Keeping a place of prostitution: Knowingly granting or permitting the use of a place for prostitution. Child prostitution: Encouraging, forcing, supervising, or supporting the prostitution of a minor. |
| Penalties | Prostitution: Class 1 misdemeanor; penalties depend on the nature of the act and prior criminal history, including jail, fines, sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, and more. Solicitation: Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense. There are higher penalties for subsequent offenses and for soliciting a minor for sexual activity. A conviction under this statute may result in mandatory participation in a program for the education and prevention of sexual exploitation (i.e., "John School"), where available. Pimping/pandering/keeping a house of prostitution: Felony; punishment depends on the nature of the act and prior criminal history. Child prostitution: Felony; punishment depends on the nature of the act and prior criminal history, including being required to register under North Carolina’s sex offender registry. |
| Who can be prosecuted? | The sex worker, the customer (or "John"), the pimp, and anyone running a house of prostitution |
| What qualifies as payment? | Money, gifts, favors, and other compensation |
| What is the definition of a minor? | Any person who is younger than 18 years of age |
| Immunity from prosecution | The state can’t prosecute minors for prostitution. Instead, law enforcement takes these children into protective custody. |
Disclaimer: State laws may change due to new legislation, higher court rulings, and other proceedings. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a criminal defense lawyer or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Because North Carolina’s prostitution laws can be challenging to understand, you should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for legal advice. Not only will your attorney help navigate the laws, but they’ll also help build a solid defense strategy.
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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