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 Michigan, prostitution is illegal under state law. A person commits the crime of prostitution by performing, offering, or agreeing to perform any sexual act for payment or other consideration. This includes not only the act of prostitution itself but also the solicitation of prostitution, which is the act of seeking out someone to engage in sexual activity for hire. Additionally, Michigan law criminalizes activities related to pimping and pandering, which involve promoting or profiting from the prostitution of others. These offenses can include actions such as managing, supervising, or owning a prostitution business, as well as compelling someone to engage in prostitution. The specific statutes detailing these offenses can be found in the Michigan Penal Code, and the penalties for these crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the nature and circumstances of the offense.