Under What Circumstances Is Hiring an Escort Illegal?

Sex work or sex trafficking? The answer is not always straightforward. There are many factors that can determine whether one is illegal and the other legal. In this blog post, we will discuss these two topics as well as provide you with a list of circumstances where hiring an escort would be illegal.

The Definition of an Escort

Before we can discuss the legality of hiring an escort, it is important to first define what we mean by an escort. An escort can be defined as a professional companion who provides companionship and sometimes sexual services in exchange for money.

The Definition of Sex Work

Sex work is a more general term that refers to any type of work that is sexual in nature. This can include activities such as prostitution, escort services, phone sex operator, and pornography performing.

The Difference between Sex Work and Trafficking

While sex work is a legal profession in some parts of the world, trafficking is not. Trafficking is the illegal movement of people for the purpose of exploitation. This exploitation can include activities such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, and organ harvesting.

When is Escorting Illegal?

Now that we have a better understanding of what an escort is and the difference between sex work and trafficking let’s take a look at some specific circumstances where hiring an escort would be illegal.

Of course, hiring an escort in order to engage in sexual activity with a minor is illegal in all 50 states. In fact, this is the boundary for whether an escorting contract is illegal or legal.

If there is anything going on that is sexual during the escorting process, in other words, you are paying money for sexual return, then this is classed as prostitution and is illegal and punishable as a crime.

On the other hand, if you’re hiring an escort for a company, going to dinner, movies, or an event, then this is illegal, as defined by the sex work category above.

What Happens If You’re Caught with a Prostitute?

If you are caught with a prostitute, the consequences will depend on the state in which you live. In most states, hiring a prostitute is considered a misdemeanor offense. This means that you could face fines and/or jail time if convicted.

However, there are some states where hiring a prostitute is considered a felony offense. This could result in harsher penalties, such as longer jail sentences and higher fines.

It is important to note that even if you are not caught by the police, but your spouse or another family member finds out about your activities, they can still file a complaint against you. This could lead to negative consequences even if you are not convicted of a crime.

If you’re ever facing legal trouble because of this, always make sure you’re enlisting the help of a good sex crimes attorneys to help you navigate the situation while exploring what options you have.

Conclusion

While there are some circumstances where hiring an escort is illegal, in most cases, it is a perfectly legal activity. As long as both parties are consenting adults and no sexual services are being exchanged, then everything is within the law.

However, if you’re ever unsure about the legality of a certain situation, it’s always best to consult with a legal professional who will be able to tell you exactly where you stand according to the laws of the state you’re in.

Thanks to Susan Silvers