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:
|
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
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:
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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.
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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