Prostitution Laws: Avoid A Conviction For Solicitation - Feldman Royle

What is Prostitution in Arizona?

In Arizona, prostitution is defined under A.R.S. § 13-3211 as engaging in, agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for money or something of value. It is considered a criminal offense, and both the person offering and the person seeking the service can face charges. Arizona treats prostitution seriously, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses and related activities like pimping or operating a brothel.

Pursuant to ARS 13 3214, the prostitution definition prohibits certain acts. The exact definition can be found in ARS 13-3211(5). This statute prohibits:

1. Engaging in sex for a fee (money or anything of value); or
2. Offering or agreeing to have sex for a fee.

ARS 13-3211(5), therefore covers not only the actions of a prostitute, but also the customer who is alleged to have solicited (or attempted to solicit) the prostitute.

Solicitation Definition

Arizona solicitation laws are encompassed within the prostitution definition and codified in ARS 13 3214 and ARS 13 3211. Additionally, under ARS 13-1002, the solicitation meaning is further defined as:

• Commanding;
• Encouraging;
• Requesting; or
• Soliciting another person to engage in prostitution.

As stated above, not only are the actions of a prostitute prohibited under Arizona law but so are the actions of those accused of having solicited the services of a prostitute.

PIMPING AND PANDERING CRIMES

There are a number of offenses which are generally listed under the heading of pimping and pandering. They cover different acts and appear under different labels. Included in this group are:

• Knowingly inducing another person into a house of prostitution (brothel);
• Procuring prostitutes for money;
• Receiving money from the earnings of a prostitute;
• Forcing one’s spouse to become a prostitute;
• Keeping a person in a house of prostitution due to the existence of a debt;
• Operating a brothel;
• Being employed at a brothel;
• Placing one person in charge of another for the purpose of prostitution, placing a person in brothel, or compelling, inducing or encouraging another person to reside with another person for the purpose of prostitution, to reside in a brothel, or to become a prostitute.
• Knowingly transporting anyone within or through Arizona for purpose of prostitution.

There is obviously some duplication here, and the facts of your case may appear to fit the definition of more than one offense.