Tennessee Prostitution and Solicitation Laws

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed May 23, 2025

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Prostitution and solicitation are illegal in Tennessee, as is pimping or promoting prostitution. If a law enforcement officer sees you doing any of the above, they’ll arrest you and file criminal charges.

If this happens, you’ll face harsh penalties, and future employers will see a sex crime conviction on your criminal record. If you find yourself under arrest, it's a good idea to seek legal advice as soon as possible in your prostitution case.

You should also familiarize yourself with Tennessee’s laws regarding these sex crimes. This article examines statutes and explains the relevant penalties.

Tennessee Prostitution Laws at a Glance

Most prostitution charges involve a misdemeanor charge. However, pimping carries a felony charge. Tennessee law also calls for enhanced penalties for prostitution crimes that occur within 100 feet of a church or 1.5 miles of a school for K-12 children.

The main provisions of Tennessee's prostitution and solicitation laws are in the table below.

Tennessee Prostitution and Solicitation Code Sections

Tennessee Code

What Is Prohibited?

Tennessee prohibits the following activities:

  • Prostitution - This crime involves performing sex acts in exchange for something of value. You can be guilty of prostitution for offering to have sex for money.
    • Aggravated Prostitution - If you commit any of the above sex crimes knowing that you have HIV/AIDS, the state will charge you with aggravated prostitution. Under Tennessee law, the fact that you have one of these illnesses is an aggravating circumstance.
  • Patronizing Prostitution - This criminal offense involves hiring someone to have sex with you for money. This includes going to a brothel or house of prostitution for sexual activity.
  • Promoting Prostitution - It is a felony offense in Tennessee when a person does any of the following:
    • Owns, manages, or supervises a prostitution business
    • Seeks out and hires people to work at a brothel or house of prostitution
    • Encouraging a person to perform sex acts as a prostitute
    • Soliciting a person to patronize a prostitute
    • Finding a prostitute for a customer (“john”)
    • Soliciting or receiving any benefit for any of the above activities

Penalties for Prostitution/Solicitation Crimes in Tennessee

The penalties for prostitution and solicitation will vary depending on the facts of the case. They include:

Criminal Penalties

  • Aggravated Prostitution (Class C Felony): A sentence of between three to 15 years in prison and a fine of not more than $10,000
  • Promoting Prostitution (Class E Felony): A sentence of one six years in jail and a fine of up to $3,000
  • Prostitution or patronizing a prostitute near a church or school (Class A Misdemeanor): - A sentence of under one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500
  • Patronizing a prostitute (Class B Misdemeanor): A sentence of less than six months in jail and a fine of up to $500

The Tennessee courts also require defendants convicted of prostitution, patronizing prostitution, or promoting prostitution to undergo an HIV test. This allows the judge to determine whether they will escalate the charges. The court seals the test results.

Civil Penalties

Possible Defenses to Prostitution Charges in Tennessee

Tennessee law offers several possible defenses to prostitution, solicitation, patronizing, and promoting prostitution. These include:

  • Innocence or lack of intent
  • Entrapment
  • Being unaware that you are HIV positive

A Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you're facing prostitution charges in Tennessee, consider consulting a criminal defense attorney. They’ll review your case and help devise a solid legal strategy. A lawyer may also be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Prostitution charges can incur jail time, heavy fines, and possible registration as a sex offender. Hiring a law office to help in your defense is the best way to avoid your life being irrevocably changed.

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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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