What are the penalties for prostitution and soliciting?
The penalties vary. In some countries the penalties involve a minor fine and/or brief jail time. In other countries the penalties can be as extreme as death. In general, as long as you are in an advanced nation which is not overly religious, you can expect a fine. Jail time is usually reserved for repeat offenders or those arrests which involve aggravating circumstances. In recent years, some cities have cracked down on street prostitution in new and unusual fashions. St. Paul, Minnesota, for example, displays the pictures on the Internet of everyone arrested for prostitution or soliciting. Oakland, California seizes the cars of anyone arrested for soliciting a street prostitute, even if it is not their car. The cars are then sold at auction, with the revenues divided between the prosecutor’s office and the police department. Note that in either penalty, a successful conviction is not required to impose the additional penalties.
