Both prostitution - i.e. engaging or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with another person for a fee - and patronizing a prostitute are crimes.  Moreover, if the prostitute patronized is in fact under 17 years old, then patronizing a prostitute is considered a sex offense for purposes of SORA and registration is required.  As a result, a guilty plea to patronizing a prostitute may be an unacceptable outcome in some cases. Conduct that may qualify as prostitution is quite common in New York City.

People working at (or patronizing) escort services and even some clubs may find themselves accused of prostitution.  Exactly what conduct crosses the line and becomes illegal can be a complicated legal question.  Since escort services and clubs are businesses, owners and managers can be accused of promoting prostitution or even conspiracy or racketeering (RICO).

If you have been accused of prostitution, patronizing a prostitute, or promoting prostitution, you should seek legal help immediately.