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 Washington State, prostitution is illegal under RCW 9A.88.030, which defines prostitution as engaging in, or agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee. It is a misdemeanor offense. Additionally, promoting prostitution in the first and second degree is covered under RCW 9A.88.060 and RCW 9A.88.070, respectively. Promoting prostitution in the first degree involves advancing or profiting from prostitution and is considered a class B felony, while the second degree is a class C felony. Soliciting a prostitute is also illegal under RCW 9A.88.110, and it is a misdemeanor to solicit sex in exchange for money. The state also has laws against human trafficking under RCW 9A.40.100, which is a class A felony, and addresses the more severe aspects of prostitution-related offenses, including coercion and exploitation.