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Ohio Prostitution and Solicitation Laws

Aside from Nevada, prostitution and solicitation are illegal in every state. Ohio's prostitution laws are like most other states. Ohio law bans engaging in sexual acts for payment or services. The following acts also qualify as sex crimes in Ohio:

  • Engaging in sexual acts with a sex worker (prostitute) for something of value (loitering and solicitation)
  • Pimping or pandering
  • Promoting or participating in child prostitution

If law enforcement catches you doing any of the above, you'll face prostitution charges, which carry specific penalties. Consult an Ohio criminal defense lawyer immediately after your arrest. They'll need time to prepare a solid defense strategy.

Here, we'll explain Ohio's prostitution and solicitation laws, describe the penalties for these criminal charges, and discuss any possible defenses to these crimes.

Ohio's Prostitution Laws at a Glance

If you're facing prostitution or solicitation charges, you should get to know Ohio law. The following table highlights the main provisions of Ohio's prostitution and solicitation laws.

Code sections

Prostitution: Ohio Revised Code Statute §2907.25

Child Prostitution/Compelling Prostitution: Ohio Revised Code Statute §2907.21

Solicitation: Ohio Rev. Code Statute §2907.24

Loitering to Engage in Solicitation: Ohio Revised Code Statute §2907.241

What is prohibited

Prostitution: Engaging in sexual activity for money or something of value

Child prostitution/compelling prostitution: Forcing or encouraging a minor to engage in prostitution or paying a minor to engage in prostitution

Solicitation: Asking a person to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money

Loitering to engage in solicitation: Doing any of the following in or near a public place to solicit someone to engage in prostitution:

  • Beckon to or stopping another person
  • Engaging (trying to engage) another in conversation
  • Stopping (trying to stop) the operator of a vehicle or approaching a stationary vehicle
  • If the defendant is in a vehicle, stopping, beckoning to, or enticing another person to approach or enter the vehicle
  • Blocking another person's movement
Penalties

Prostitution: This crime is a third-degree misdemeanor.

Child prostitution/compelling prostitution: This offense is a felony. The degree of punishment depends on the facts of the case and the child's age. Ohio law deems anyone under 18 years of age a minor.

Solicitation: Solicitation is a third-degree misdemeanor. You’ll face a driver's license suspension and community service.

Loitering to engage in solicitation: This crime qualifies as a third-degree misdemeanor.

Note: The penalties for the above sex crimes will increase to a fourth- or fifth-degree felony if the defendant engages in the act after testing positive for HIV/AIDS.

What is considered payment?

Money, gifts, favors, and other compensation

Definition of public place

Ohio law defines a public place as a street, road, highway, thoroughfare, bikeway, walkway, sidewalk, bridge, alley, alleyway, plaza, park, driveway, parking lot, or transportation facility. A doorway or entranceway to a building that fronts a public place also qualifies as a public place under the law.

Definition of sexual activity

Sexual activity includes anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse, as well as sexual touching.

Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

If the state convicts you of prostitution, solicitation, or loitering, the judge may order you to undergo testing or treatment for STDs.

Sexual offender registry?

Anyone guilty of child prostitution must register as a sex offender.

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.

Consult a Skilled Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

If the police arrest and charge you with prostitution or solicitation in Ohio, you should seek legal advice right away. You could be facing jail time and fines. The judge may even order you to register as a sex offender.

Having an Ohio prostitution attorney in your corner will help secure the best possible outcome.

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