Prostitution Laws in Oklahoma
Prostitution is against the law in Oklahoma. Oklahoma defines prostitution as either the giving or receiving of the body in a sexual manner, such as sexual intercourse or any component of sexual congress, with someone other than a spouse, in exchange for money or for anything else of value, or the making or setting of such an appointment. In Oklahoma, these laws target all participants in sex trades, not just the sex worker, but also those involved in pimping and pandering. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1030
Prostitution includes the soliciting, enticing, and procuring of another to commit an act of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution with himself or herself. This covers the typical “john” who solicits a prostitute’s services. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1029
The law prohibits a person from entering or remaining in a building or vehicle with the intent of committing an act of prostitution. And it is illegal to help or participate another in any of these acts.
Finally, the law prohibits acts of prostitution with children — any child under the age of 18. The law also carries a presumption that any child of 16 or 17 years of age who engaged in prostitution was coerced into committing the offense by another person engaged in human trafficking.
Penalties
Prostitution in and of itself is a misdemeanor in most cases in Oklahoma. The crime is punishable by a county jail term from 30 days to a year, and fines which increase with subsequent convictions. A first conviction fine can be as much as $2,500, a second can be up to $5,000 and a third can run as high as $7,500. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1031
The penalties are even higher in other circumstances. For instance, a person who engages in prostitution with the knowledge that they are infected with HIV can be convicted of a felony crime; this is punishable by a prison term of up to five years.
A person who engages in child prostitution may be convicted of a felony punishable by a prison term of up to 10 years and by escalating fines ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Engaging in or facilitating in prostitution in any manner stated above within 1,000 feet of a church or school may also be convicted of a felony. This is punishable by a prison term of up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, and 40 to 80 community service hours. Fines increase with subsequent convictions.
Pimping and Pandering Laws
Making money from prostitution and facilitating prostitution is also illegal in Oklahoma. Procuring another person for prostitution by use of threats, violence, or any other device or in any manner including fraud and duress or who uses the same to place a person into a house of prostitution or keep them there, is guilty of pandering. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1081
The crime is a felony. It is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines, which increase with subsequent convictions. A fine for a first conviction can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Oklahoma laws target all persons involved in the sex trade. If you are facing charges for violation of these laws, be sure to hire an experienced Tulsa criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and your freedom.
Strategy Session with a Tulsa Lawyer
To set up an initial strategy session with a Tulsa, Oklahoma lawyer, call Wirth Law Office – Tulsa at 918-879-1681.
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