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 Nevada, prostitution is illegal except in licensed brothels in certain rural counties. Under Nevada law, engaging in prostitution or solicitation of prostitution outside of a licensed brothel is a criminal offense. Specifically, Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 201.354 prohibits people from engaging in prostitution or solicitation, which includes offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for a fee, monetary consideration, or other compensation. The law also criminalizes the act of pandering or pimping under NRS 201.300, which involves procuring another person for the purpose of prostitution or receiving money from the earnings of a prostitute. Penalties for these offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances and the number of prior offenses. It's important to note that the legality of prostitution in licensed brothels does not extend to the state's urban areas, including Las Vegas and Reno, where prostitution remains illegal.