A person generally commits the crime of prostitution by engaging in sexual contact or offering to engage in sexual contact in exchange for money or other consideration.

It is also a criminal offense to solicit (on a person's own behalf, or on behalf of another person), promote, or compel prostitution. For example, most states have laws that make it illegal to buy, sell, or profit from prostitution—which is generally the business of pimps and other human traffickers—known as pimping, pandering, procuring, soliciting, promoting, or compelling prostitution.

Prostitution laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Alabama, prostitution is illegal under state law. The Alabama Code Section 13A-12-120 defines the crime of prostitution as engaging in, or agreeing or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for a fee. Additionally, under Section 13A-12-121, solicitation of prostitution is also a criminal offense, which involves soliciting, compelling, or directing another to commit prostitution. Promoting prostitution, which can include pimping, pandering, or maintaining a place for prostitution, is addressed under Sections 13A-12-122 to 13A-12-124. These laws make it illegal to profit from or facilitate the prostitution of another person. The severity of the charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the specific circumstances and whether it involves coercion, minors, or repeat offenses. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both. It is important for individuals to understand that both offering sexual services for money and paying for such services are considered criminal acts under Alabama law.