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 Wisconsin, prostitution is illegal under state law. The crime of prostitution is defined as performing, offering, or agreeing to perform any sexual act with another person in exchange for money or other consideration, according to Wis. Stat. § 944.30. This includes any form of sexual contact or intercourse. Solicitation of prostitution is also a criminal offense, which involves requesting, encouraging, or demanding someone to engage in prostitution. The statutes further criminalize the acts of pandering, pimping, and keeping a place of prostitution under Wis. Stat. § 944.32, § 944.33, and § 944.34 respectively. These laws target those who profit from or facilitate the prostitution of others, such as pimps and brothel operators. The penalties for these offenses can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime and the individual's criminal history.