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 Kentucky, prostitution is illegal under state law. A person commits the crime of prostitution by engaging in, offering, or agreeing to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money or other consideration. This is outlined in the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), specifically under KRS 529.010, which defines prostitution and prohibits engaging in sexual activity as a means of commerce. Additionally, Kentucky law criminalizes activities related to prostitution, such as promoting prostitution (KRS 529.040), which includes actions like managing, supervising, controlling, or owning a prostitution business. Soliciting for prostitution is also illegal (KRS 529.030), targeting those who attempt to hire another person for sexual activity in exchange for compensation. The laws against compelling prostitution (KRS 529.050) address situations where individuals are forced or coerced into prostitution, which can overlap with human trafficking offenses. Penalties for these offenses can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime and whether it involves aggravating factors such as the involvement of minors.