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 New Jersey, prostitution is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1 as the commission of an act of sexual penetration or sexual contact for money or other thing of economic value, or the offer or acceptance of an offer to commit such an act. This includes not only the person engaging in the act but also anyone who promotes such conduct, including pimps and brothel operators. The law also criminalizes the solicitation of prostitution, which means attempting to hire someone for sexual activity in exchange for money or other consideration. The severity of the charges can range from disorderly persons offenses to more serious crimes depending on the circumstances, such as the involvement of minors or if the act occurs near a school zone. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory STD testing. New Jersey law also addresses human trafficking, with severe penalties for those who engage in or promote this activity.