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 Iowa, prostitution is illegal under Iowa Code section 725.1. A person commits the crime of prostitution by participating in a sex act for money or other consideration, or by offering to participate in a sex act for such consideration. The law also criminalizes the acts of soliciting, promoting, or compelling prostitution. Solicitation involves seeking someone to engage in prostitution, while promoting prostitution can include activities such as pimping or running a brothel. Compelling prostitution is a more serious offense and involves forcing or coercing someone to engage in prostitution. These offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances and the involvement of minors or the use of force. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory education or community service programs.