Idaho prostitution law

Prostitution is illegal in Idaho, like the other 49 states in the U.S. What separates its laws, however, is the fact that the state uses one simple sentencing guideline for all prostitution offenses labeled as felonies. Several forms of prostitution are identified by Idaho's statutes prohibiting prostitution.

Misdemeanor offenses

Idaho considers the act of basic prostitution to be a misdemeanor on its first offense. Prostitution is defined as:

Engaging in or offering sexual conduct or sexual contact for a fee, or
Being an inmate in a house of prostitution, or
Loitering in or within view of any public place for the purpose of being hired to engage in sexual conduct or sexual contact.

The misdemeanor sentence is 1 to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of $500. If a defendant is found guilty of this event over three times, the fourth time is considered a felony charge. This sentence can be prison time of 1 to 5 years.

The same sentences apply to the misdemeanor charge of patronization of a prostitute. Patronization is when:

Someone pays or offers to or agrees to pay another person for the purpose of engaging in an act of sexual conduct or sexual contact, or
Someone enters or remains in a house of prostitution for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct or sexual contact.

Felony offenses

Several charges fall under the felony category when considering laws on prostitution in Idaho. All have the same potential sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.

Interstate Trafficking: Importing a person into Idaho or exporting him or her out of Idaho for the purpose of prostitution is illegal. Aiding or promoting this activity is also considered illegal.
Procurement: It is considered breaking the law to compel, procure, induce or entice another person to engage in prostitution.
Receiving Pay for Procurement: The laws in Idaho prohibit knowingly receiving any money or objects of value in exchange for procuring a prostitute for a third person.
Paying for Procurement: Idaho statutes deem it illegal to pay someone to procure a third person to engage in prostitution.
Detention for Prostitution: It is considered illegal to hold, restrain, detain or attempt to restrict someone's freedom against his or her will for the purpose of compelling such a person to engage in prostitution.
Accepting Earnings of Prostitution: Knowingly accepting or appropriating any amount of money or items of value from the proceeds or earnings of any person involved in prostitution is illegal. It is also illegal to profit from prostitution as a joint venture, that includes two or more people.
Harboring Prostitutes: Any person found guilty of maintaining, supporting or controlling a house of prostitution is acting illegally.
Inducing a Person Under the Age of 18: It is considered illegal by the state of Idaho to involve anyone under the age of 18 years in any part of prostitution, including the patronization of or the engagement of the act itself.

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