Prostitution
Prostitution is the act of engaging in sex in exchage for money. It is also illegal for a person to be soliciting sex, or to ask another to engage in a sex act for money. Therefore, it is illegal for a person to offer to have sex with another for money and it is illegal for a person to accept the offer of another to have sex for money.
There is a common myth that undercover officers who pose as “hookers” or “johns” must properly identify themselves when asked. In other words, many people think that if the undercover is asked, “Are you a cop? “, he or she must answer “yes” or have the case dismissed. This is not true. It is not illegal for the police to lie.
Defense To Prostitution
A common defense for prostitution is entrapment. While it is legal for the police to lie, they may not unreasonably pressure a suspect to commit a crime. As an example, a female undercover officer cannot approach a potential “john” and say ”Please have sex with me for $50.00. I need the money to feed my starving children.” The police are aware of the law of entrapment. Often they will attempt to protect themselves from charges of entrapment by recording all the dialogue leading up to the arrest.