Ohio Prostitution and Solicitation Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
In Ohio, prostitution and solicitation are illegal. Ohio's prostitution laws prohibit several different activates including: engaging in sexual acts for payment or services, seeking or actually engaging in sexual acts with a prostitute for money (loitering and solicitation), pimping or pandering, and promoting or participating in child prostitution.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Ohio's prostitution and solicitation laws.
See also Pimping and Pandering Laws and Solicitation to learn more.
Code Section | Prostitution: Ohio Revised Statute §2907.25 Child Prostitution/Compelling Prostitution: Ohio Revised Statute 2907.21 Solicitation: Ohio Revised Statute 2907.24 Loitering to Engage in Solicitation: Ohio Revised Statute 2907.241 |
What is Prohibited | Prostitution : Engaging in sexual activity for money or payment Child Prostitution/Compelling Prostitution: Causing or encouraging a minor or a person the defendant believes is a minor to engage in prostitution, or pays or agrees to pay a minor or a person the defendant believes is a minor to engage in prostitution. Solicitation: Solicit a person to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money. Loitering to Engage in Solicitation: Doing any one of the following things in or near a public place (including a driveway or doorway) for the purpose of soliciting someone to engage in prostitution:
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Penalties | Prostitution : Third Degree Misdemeanor, Can be elevated to a fourth or fifth degree felony if a person engages in the act after testing positive for HIV/AIDS Child Prostitution/Compelling Prostitution: Felony, Degree of punishment depends on facts of case and the child's age. Solicitation: Third Degree Misdemeanor, May also include a driver's license suspension and community service house. Can be elevated to a fourth or fifth degree felony if a person engages in the act after testing positive for HIV/AIDS. Loitering to Engage in Solicitation: Third Degree Misdemeanor, Can be elevated to a fourth or fifth degree felony if a person engages in the act after testing positive for HIV/AIDS |
What is Considered Payment? | Money, gifts, favors, and other compensation |
Definition of "Public Place" |
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Definition of "Sexual Activity" |
Sexual activity includes anal, oral, and valuating sex, and sexual touching |
Testing and Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) | Only if convicted of prostitution, solicitation, and loitering. May be required to submit to mandatory testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases at their own expense. |
Sexual Offender Registry? | If convicted of child prostitution, mandatory registration. |
Because prostitution laws can sometimes get complicated, it may also be a good idea to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.
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Contact a qualified attorney.