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 Oklahoma, prostitution is illegal under state law. The crime of prostitution is defined as engaging in sexual contact or offering to engage in sexual contact in exchange for money or other forms of consideration. This includes any sexual conduct in exchange for payment. The law also criminalizes the acts of soliciting, promoting, or compelling prostitution. Solicitation involves seeking out someone to engage in prostitution, whether for oneself or another person. Promoting prostitution can include activities such as operating a brothel or facilitating the provision of prostitution services. Compelling prostitution is a more serious offense that involves forcing or coercing someone to engage in prostitution. These offenses are typically addressed in Oklahoma's penal or criminal code, and penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the specific circumstances involved.