Elysse Mae O'Connor

It is illegal to promote prostitution—meaning to own or operate a brothel, recruit prostitutes, encourage someone to become a prostitute, solicit customers for prostitutes, or profit from prostitution activities. Promoting prostitution is a Class E felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. The penalty increases to a Class A felony (15-60 years) if the person being prostituted is between 13 and 18 years old or intellectually disabled. It is not a defense that the police officer was not actually a minor, that the victim consented, or that the crime was never completed.

Penalty: Class E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000

It is illegal to engage in prostitution (offering or providing sexual services in exchange for money or something of value). Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500. The penalty increases to a Class A misdemeanor (11 months 29 days jail, $2,500 fine) if the prostitution occurs within 100 feet of a church or within 1.5 miles of a school, and includes a mandatory minimum 7 days in jail plus a $1,000 fine. However, if you are under 18 years old, you cannot be prosecuted for prostitution—you are immune from prosecution and should be referred to the human trafficking resource center instead.

Penalty: Class B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500