What does the term prostitution cover?

Prostitution is known by many as the oldest profession on earth. Prostitution is illegal throughout most of the United States, including New York state. So what exactly does prostitution cover?

There are several stages of a “transaction” of prostitution, and depending upon each state’s laws, each stage could be considered a crime. A person looking to hire a prostitute could be guilty of solicitation of prostitution. This could include any agreement between a customer and a prostitute for sex. It is not uncommon for solicitation that involves a minor to be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony. Someone who panders or pimps out a prostitute could also be guilty of a crime. This could also include a brothel or the housing of a prostitution ring.

It is important to note that the act of sex does not need to take place for parties to be guilty of prostitution. If there is an agreement of the exchange of money for sex, and an additional act to further the agreement. This could include driving a prostitute to a location where the act will take place, or even going to an ATM machine to withdraw money to pay for the act.

If you have been charged with prostitution, solicitation of prostitution or acting as the middleman or pimp, it is important to protect yourself and your future with a strong criminal defense. This may mean reaching out to a local firm familiar with criminal defense to help you proceed in the courts. A strong lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced, or dismissed, or could potentially work with the prosecutor to get a plea deal passed.

Source: FindLaw, “Prostitution,” accessed on July 24, 2017