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 Rhode Island, prostitution is defined as engaging in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for money or other forms of consideration. The law also criminalizes activities related to prostitution, such as soliciting (whether for oneself or another), promoting, or compelling someone into prostitution. These offenses cover actions commonly associated with pimping, pandering, and human trafficking. Rhode Island's statutes, specifically within the penal or criminal code, outline the legal framework for offenses related to prostitution. The penalties for these crimes can vary, and they may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the case.