A person generally commits the crime of prostitution by engaging in sexual contact or offering to engage in sexual contact in exchange for money or other consideration.

It is also a criminal offense to solicit (on a person's own behalf, or on behalf of another person), promote, or compel prostitution. For example, most states have laws that make it illegal to buy, sell, or profit from prostitution—which is generally the business of pimps and other human traffickers—known as pimping, pandering, procuring, soliciting, promoting, or compelling prostitution.

Prostitution laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Georgia, the crime of prostitution is defined under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 16-6-9. A person commits the offense of prostitution when they perform, offer or agree to perform a sexual act in exchange for money or other items of value. The law also criminalizes the solicitation, arrangement, or directing of another person to engage in prostitution, which can include pimping and pandering, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 16-6-11 and § 16-6-13. Pimping involves receiving money from the earnings of a prostitute, while pandering can involve procuring another person for the purpose of prostitution. These offenses can lead to various penalties, including fines and imprisonment, with the severity depending on the circumstances of the crime, such as the involvement of minors or repeat offenses.