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 Missouri, prostitution and related activities are criminal offenses under state law. Prostitution is defined as performing sexual acts in exchange for money or other consideration, and it is illegal to engage in, offer, or agree to engage in prostitution. The law also criminalizes the acts of promoting, compelling, or soliciting prostitution. This includes pimping, pandering, and procuring, which involve facilitating or arranging for another person to engage in prostitution, as well as benefiting financially from the prostitution of another. These offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the specific circumstances and the involvement of minors. Missouri's statutes addressing these crimes can be found in the criminal or penal code sections dealing with sexual offenses.