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 West Virginia, prostitution is illegal under state law. The crime of prostitution typically involves engaging in, or offering to engage in, sexual acts in exchange for money or something of value. This includes any sexual contact or intercourse. The law also criminalizes activities related to prostitution, such as soliciting prostitution, which means asking someone to engage in sexual acts for hire, whether for oneself or on behalf of another person. Additionally, promoting or compelling prostitution is illegal. This can include activities commonly associated with pimping or pandering, such as deriving profit from the prostitution of another, facilitating prostitution, or compelling an individual to engage in prostitution through force, intimidation, or deception. These offenses are addressed in the West Virginia Code, specifically within the sections pertaining to crimes against public morals and decency.