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 Maryland, prostitution is illegal and is defined as the performance of sexual acts, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse for hire. Maryland law criminalizes both the act of prostitution and related activities. This includes soliciting prostitution, which means urging, advising, or inducing someone to commit prostitution. It is also illegal to promote or profit from the prostitution of another, which encompasses activities commonly associated with pimping and pandering, such as deriving financial gain from the prostitution of another. Maryland's criminal law section 11-306 outlines the prohibition against prostitution and related offenses, making it a misdemeanor to commit, solicit, or promote prostitution. Penalties for these offenses can include fines, imprisonment, or both, and the severity of the penalties can vary based on the specific circumstances of the crime, such as the involvement of minors or repeat offenses.