Like just about everywhere else in the United States, prostitution is illegal in North Carolina. There are still many instances in which consensual sex acts between two consenting adults are illegal. Prostitute charges are different from sex trafficking charges/human trafficking charges.
Prostitution defined
According to North Carolina General Statute 14-203 – Prostitution includes offering or receiving of the body for sexual intercourse for hire. It also includes the making of appointments for the purpose of offering or receiving the body for sexual intercourse for hire.
Types of prostitution crimes
Engaging in Prostitution
- This charge is the most straightforward and involves either the person who has paid for sex or the person who was paid for sex. It can also include the person who made an appointment for the prostitute for the “customer”.
- Punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor
Procuring for prostitution
- This is when a person procures, solicits, or offers to procure or solicit for prostitution.
- This is effectively the attempt at committing prostitution or the encouragement of commitment prostitution. A “pimp” would likely be charged with this particular crime.
- Punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor
Occupying or permitting use of a place for prostitution
- Simply put, this charge would come about if you maintained a dwelling for prostitution (“a brothel”), or allowing a home or dwelling to be used for the purpose of prostitution.
- Punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor
Loitering for prostitution
- This is the charge that people often have in their heads when they are picturing prostitution. This is street corner solicitation.
- Punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor
Prostitution seems to carry a negative societal stigma, but there are plenty of more serious crime out there. All of the above-mentioned crimes are Class 1 misdemeanors and follow the North Carolina Misdemeanor sentencing guidelines. If you were charged with a prostitution crime in North Carolina, the criminal defense attorneys at Gilles Law can help.
