What is the criminal charge of prostitution? When we think of prostitution, we generally think of a street walker off the corner offering to perform sexual acts for money. However, in most jurisdictions, prostitution is broken down by several key elements.

1. There is either an offer or agreement to perform sexual acts either on that person or by that person.
    
2. The sexual act is agreed upon in exhcange for something of value.

Something valuable does NOT have to be money. In most jurisdictions, if there is an offer of a sexual act for anything of  value (a watch, a ring, livestock, money, etc.) that constitues a crime of prostitution. However, like the crime of conspiracy, in many jurisdictions, a person can be prosecuted for prostitution on words alone. Hence, solicitation for prostitution. So, if a person solicties/agrees to perform some sexual act for you or someone else for something of value, the words alone may constitute the act of solicitation of prostitution.

Check with a lawyer who practices criminal law in your area to determine which laws apply in your jurisdiction- words alone or acts. To learn more about prostitution defense, please contact Carlson Meissner for a Free Consultation.