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 Kansas, prostitution is illegal under state law. The crime of prostitution is defined as performing, offering, or agreeing to perform any sexual act with another person in exchange for money or something else of value. This includes any lewd fondling or touching of the person of another with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desires of either party. Solicitation of prostitution is also illegal, which means asking someone to engage in sexual acts for hire, whether for oneself or another person, is a criminal offense. Additionally, Kansas law prohibits promoting or profiting from the prostitution of another, which encompasses activities commonly associated with pimping and pandering. These laws are typically found in the Kansas Statutes, specifically within the penal or criminal code sections that address sex crimes and public morals offenses.