Understanding Prostitution Laws in Indiana

Prostitution is illegal in Indiana under a few different Indiana prostitution laws. Depending on a person’s role in the act of prostitution, they can face a variety of charges.

Prostitution

Indiana’s law on prostitution prohibits any person over the age of eighteen (18) from knowingly or intentionally:

• Performs, or offers, or agrees to perform sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct; or
• Fondles offers to or agrees to fondle the genitals of another person for money or other property.

A prostitution conviction can have steep penalties. A first- or second-time conviction can result in a Class A misdemeanor. If a person has two prior convictions of prostitution or certain other sex crimes (including those discussed below), they may be charged with a Level 6 felony.

Making an Unlawful Proposition

The law prohibiting unlawful proposition is also commonly referred to as solicitation. A person can be charged with this crime if they offer, agree to, or actually pay or trade property for participating in sexual conduct.

As with a general prostitution conviction, if convicted of solicitation, a person can face a Class A misdemeanor for first- or second-time offenses and a Level 6 felony for repeat offenses.

Juvenile Prostitution

Indiana has a separate term for those under the age of eighteen (18) participating in prostitution: juvenile prostitution. Under the law, juvenile prostitution covers the same acts as the general prostitution law, the difference solely being the age of the person participating in the act.

Those participating in juvenile prostitution cannot be charged with the crime; they are considered the victim of a sexual crime. Instead, charges for promoting prostitution can be brought against the adult facilitating the acts.

Promoting Prostitution

The Indiana law prohibiting the promotion of prostitution focuses on third parties facilitating juvenile or adult prostitution – those who knowingly or intentionally:

• Compel or entice an adult or juvenile to participate in prostitution;
• Offers or agrees to obtain prostitution services for another person;
• Controlling or allowing a person to use a location for prostitution;
• Directs a person to a location to participate in prostitution or
• Receives money or property from the person participating in prostitution.

Those convicted of this crime may face a Level 4 or Level 5 felony, depending on the age of the victim.

Razumich & Associates Can Defend You Against Prostitution Law Charges

Regardless of the nature of the prostitution law charges you are facing, the experienced criminal defense attorneys from Razumich & Associates can help. We understand the complexities of different parties’ roles in prostitution in Indiana and are prepared to protect you against prosecutors sitting on their high horses. Call us today at 317-449-8661 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help!