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 South Carolina, prostitution is illegal under state law. The crime of prostitution typically involves engaging in, offering, or agreeing to engage in sexual activity for money or something of value. South Carolina law also criminalizes the solicitation of prostitution, which includes the act of requesting, encouraging, or demanding someone to engage in prostitution. Additionally, the state prohibits promoting or profiting from prostitution, which encompasses activities such as pimping, pandering, and running a brothel. These offenses are outlined in the South Carolina Code of Laws, particularly within the criminal or penal code sections. Penalties for these crimes can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent violation.