The Law on Prositution In King County Washington

Prostitution is the illegal sale of sexual services. It is crime that is treated differently by each state and municipality. King County in Washington state is one municipality that has strict rules against prostitution. The crime is not a felony act as it is in the state of Indiana, where two convictions for prostitution is a Class D felony. However, in King County, Washington, you be convicted of a prostitution related offense even if you were not a part of the sexual act in question. The penal codes and laws explain how this is possible.

King County Code 12.63 Prostitution

The entire chapter 12, title 63, is devoted to prostitution in the King County Code. It describes prostitution, the definition, the related offenses and the penalties for them. For example, the "unlawful acts" constituting prostitution are the sexual act and exchange of money for the service as well as the intent to perform the act and payment. So, transporting anyone for the purpose of prostitution, allowing it to happen in your home or vehicle or even in your presence is an unlawful act of prostitution. King County Code 12.63.010 also defines standing near a public place intending to "commit, induce, entice, solicit, or procure another to commit and act of prostitution" as an unlawful act.

Definitions

The King County Code 12.63 also offers definitions for the many terms used in relation the prostitution laws. These are outline in sections 12.63.020 through 12.63.035. They define a pander as a known prostitute or someone who has been arrested previously within the year for prostitution. The act of prostitution is also defined and is the term "actor" which is used throughout the code to describe either the prostitute or the person buying the sexual services. These definitions are important in court, when the defense and prosecution are arguing innocence on the charges.

Penalties

The penalties for prostitution are set out in K.C.C. (King County Code) 12.63.050. Any violation of the prostitution laws is punished with no more than 180 days in jail, no more than $500 in fines or both. According to the code, the person caught allowing prostitution to happen in his presence is just as guilty and will receive the same penalty options as the people performing the act.

"King County Washington Code." Municipal Research and Services Center. http://www.mrsc.org/wa/kingcounty/index_dtSearch.html