Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 26, 2018
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Engaging in prostitution is illegal in the U.S. except for some areas of Nevada. An individual can be charged with prostitution if they offer to provide sexual services in exchange for compensation, while the person who pays for the services can be charged with "patronizing prostitution" or "solicitation." Every aspect of the transaction is unlawful in Washington and the charges can extend beyond just the buyer and seller. Washington also prohibits advancing or promoting prostitution and offering or selling travel services with knowledge that the services are used to patronize prostitution.
Selling travel services to facilitate acts that constitute patronizing a prostitute within the state is a class C felony. This is one specific form of promoting prostitution that involves travel services, but Washington also criminalizes the more general offense of promoting prostitution.
In first degree promoting prostitution, a person knowingly advances prostitution by:
Second degree prostitution occurs if a person knowingly:
Reading the entire text of the statute is essential when you need to know every detail of the law. However, a lot of important information can be accessed by reading a condensed version of the text written in plain language. The chart below provides a concise summary of Washington's prostitution laws.
Statutes |
Washington Revised Code: |
Possible Penalties
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The actual penalties will depend on the specific facts of the case and are determined by the Sentencing Reform Act and state guidelines. Prostitution and patronizing prostitution are misdemeanors. Promoting Prostitution:
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Possible Defenses |
Note: The biological sex of the buyer or seller isn't a valid defense. |
Related Offenses |
Washington Revised Code: |
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 law(s) you are researching.
If you've been accused of breaking any prostitution laws in Washington, then you'll want to have an experienced legal professional at your side. Even if you're facing minor charges, a conviction can be embarrassing and can hurt your future employment options, especially if it relates to sex crimes. Contact a sex crime attorney today to talk about your case and how to put your strongest defense forward.
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