No, escorting is not illegal right here in the United States. And that may sound a little weird to some of you out there because you have a different understanding of this whole escorting thing. Actually, many people confuse escorting with prostitution, but in reality, there is a difference between these two. Escorting is more like spending time with someone else and getting paid for it, and that is perfectly legal in every part of the country. Though, in case you want to be absolutely sure about it, then just keep on reading because we’ll talk about the legal side of this. Here we go.
How Is Escorting Defined?
For those who don’t know the literal meaning of it, see, escorting is about taking someone for compensation to them spending their time, being with the person and giving their company. Like, surely, it can be accompanied by a nice meal in the restaurant, seeing a show, or just hanging out together.
And just so you know, usually, escorts are both males and females, and the extent of their involvement is limited to giving company to the client, not engaging in sexual acts. It varies from state to state, with some states also requiring the escorts to have a legitimate business license for their operation to be legal. Escorting is generally permitted by law as long as it is kept non-sexual, you know?
Escorting vs. Prostitution: The Key Difference
This is where most confusion happens.
Like, first of all, if payment is strictly for time and companionship, it is usually legal.
If payment is for sex or any sexual activity, it is considered prostitution and is illegal.
And just so you know, there is just a thin line between these two, like even talking about sexual acts in exchange for money can be enough to result in charges like solicitation. Plain and simple!
How Escorting Laws Work in the U.S.
Well, true, so far, there isn’t any one single national regulation that deals with escorting or prostitution. On the contrary, every state has different laws.
Just to give you an idea of things here, on a national level, acts such as the Mann Act forbid the transportation of a person across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. FOSTA-SESTA aims at internet platforms that provide channels for or are involved in sex trafficking.
Not a single doubt in the fact that prostitution is a crime in most states of the country. The only state that is an exception to this is Nevada, where certain counties in rural areas are allowed to have licensed brothels.
When Escorting Becomes Illegal
Surely, escort offering might be initially legitimate, however, it is very easy for it to cross the line. How exactly?
You must have seen that police frequently use undercover officers in operations. Cops can arrest anyone who agrees or discusses the exchange of sexual services for money. Like, it is a fact that some escort agencies advertise only companionship but in reality, they are fronts for prostitution, thus, can lead to very serious charges.
Possible Legal Consequences
Yes, it is true that typically, offenses involving prostitution or solicitation are minor offences accompanied by penalties such as fines, community service, or a brief time in jail.
But the scenario changes if children are involved or if the offender has a record of repeat offences, then the charges can escalate to felonies, thereby resulting in longer prison sentences, pretty much. Besides, sex offender registration might be part of the punishment, in which case the person’s job, housing, and social life can be badly affected altogether.
