Tennessee prostitution law

Tennessee, just like the other states in the U.S., prohibits prostitution and crimes related to the offense. Clearly defining what prostitution is, the laws prohibit anyone from engaging in the act as a business or benefiting from the promotion of the crime. Classifying the offenses as both misdemeanors and felonies, various sentences are mandated for different aspects of the crime.

Prostitution as a crime

The laws in Tennessee explicitly define the crime of prostitution and the actions of one who is guilty of the offense. Any individual who engages in or offers to engage in any level of sexual activity in exchange for a fee is a prostitute. Essentially, prostitution is defined as performing sexual acts as a business service. Someone who acts as an inmate in a house of prostitution and engages in sex for money under the direction of someone else is guilty of prostitution. Also, a person who loiters or wanders in a public place with the intention of being hired to perform sexual acts for money is a prostitute.

Typical sentences for prostitution convictions are imprisonment for up to 6 months and/or a $500 fine. The offense is classified as a class B misdemeanor.

The offense becomes more serious when it is committed within a mile and one-half of a school (K – 12) or within 100 feet of a church. It becomes a class A misdemeanor and the sentence mandates that one spends at least 7 days incarcerated and pays at least $1,000 as a fine.

Patronization of prostitutes

If there are prostitutes, there are always patrons or customers. Patronization of prostitutes is illegal in Tennessee. Anyone who solicits or hires another person with the intent that the other person will perform sexual acts for a fee is a patron. Also, an individual who enters or remains in a house of prostitution and plans to engage in sexual activity is guilty of patronization.

The sentence for patronization is up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500. It is a class B misdemeanor. The sentence gets stricter when the offense is committed within 100 feet of a church or with a mile and a half of a school. Sentences increase to at least 7 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Promotion of prostitution

Promotion of prostitution is a class E felony and carries a sentence of 1 to 6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $3,000 for each offense.

Various crimes are included in the promotion classification. One of the most common related crimes is maintaining, owning or supervising a house of prostitution. This crime, along with procuring inmates for that house or business, is illegal. Promotion also includes when an individual causes another person to become a prostitute or remain in the business of prostitution.

Pimping is a form or promotion. One who is guilty of pimping may have solicited or recruited patrons or customers for current prostitutes. Additionally, providing access to prostitutes for customers or patrons is a form of pimping. This is unlawful according to Tennessee state statutes.

Finally, anyone who receives, accepts or asks for benefits or compensation as a result of committing any crime of promotion is guilty of a felony. This includes one who requests proceeds from prostitutes or income from an operational house of prostitution or prostitution enterprise.

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