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Oregon Prostitution Laws Explained

The Criminal Defense law firm of Rhett Bernstein employs former prosecutors, former law enforcement officers, and former forensic experts. Rhett Bernstein defends clients throughout the state of Oregon, including Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Washington County, and all Portland-area municipal courts in the following counties and cities:

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Oregon Prostitution Crime FAQ

Prostitution (ORS 167.007) occurs when a person is paid paid for sex, sex acts, or sexual contact. Offering to pay another person for sex, a sex act, or sexual contact is also considered prostitution. Prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor.

Commercial Sexual Solicitation (ORS 167.008) is committed when a person pays, offers to pay, or agrees to pay a fee in return for sexual conduct or sexual contact. Commercial Sexual Solicitation is a Class A misdemeanor.

Promoting Prostitution (ORS 167.012) is committed when a person, with the intention of promoting prostitution, knowingly:

  • Owns, controls, manages, supervises or otherwise maintains a place of prostitution or a prostitution enterprise.
  • Induces or causes a person to engage in prostitution or to remain in a place of prostitution.
  • Receives or agrees to receive money or other property, other than as a prostitute being compensated for personally rendered prostitution services, pursuant to an agreement or understanding that the money or other property is derived from a prostitution activity.
  • Engages in any conduct that institutes, aids or facilitates an act or enterprise of prostitution.

Promoting prostitution is a Class C felony.

Compelling Prostitution (ORS 167.017) is committed when a person knowingly:

  • Uses force or intimidation to compel another to engage in prostitution or attempted prostitution.
  • Induces or causes a person under 18 years of age to engage in prostitution
  • Aids or facilitates the commission of prostitution or attempted prostitution by a person under 18 years of age.
  • Induces or causes the spouse, child or stepchild of the person to engage in prostitution.

Compelling prostitution is a Class B felony.

Wrong. With the help of an experienced criminal lawyer, first offenders can potentially have their charges dismissed with the completion of a class and fee. For repeat offenders a prostitution conviction is a Class A misdemeanor, which stays on your record for a minimum of three years. Regardless of the nature of your charge, only an experienced criminal attorney can help you navigate an outcome in your favor.

The idea that prostitutes are not victims is misguided. It is common practice for pimps and recruiters to target child runaways who come from abusive, dysfunctional homes. These kids are emotionally manipulated, beaten, rapped, and forced to sell their bodies.

You were likely given a citation or release agreement which includes the date and time of your initial court appearance. If you fail to appear for your first appearance in front of the judge, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. If you are charged with Promoting Prostitution (ORS 167.012) or Compelling Prostitution (ORS 167.017), you taken into custody and have already appeared before a judge. Compelling Prostitution is a Measure 11, subject to Oregon mandatory minimum sentencing. To successfully navigate a Measure 11 charge, it is imperative that you contact criminal defense attorney Rhett Bernstein as soon as possible.

The crimes of Promoting Prostitution (ORS 167.012) and Commercial Sexual Solicitation (ORS 167.008) are both eligible for expungement. If you are arrested for Compelling Prostitution (ORS 167.017) your conviction cannot be sealed or cleared from your record.

A person commits the crime of Commercial Sexual Solicitation when money was exchanged for a sex act, sexual conduct, or sexual contact.

No, all state laws apply to Portland residents. However Portland does have additional prostitution related laws that do not apply to the other cities in Multnomah county or the state of Oregon, sometimes known as “vice laws”. The city of Portland has very strict prostitution laws, and city code prohibits many behaviors which could potentially be seen as an act related to prostitution.

Portland prohibits the following prostitution procurement activities: lingering in or near any street or public place, repeatedly circling an area in a motor vehicle, or repeatedly beckoning to, contacting, or attempting to stop pedestrians or drivers.

Pimping and pandering are considered prostitution procurement activities and are against the law. Promoting prostitution is punishable by up to five years in prison and $125,000 in fines. Though most procurement activities involve the exchange of money for sex acts, any conduct that knowingly facilitates prostitution is prohibited by law. If you are convicted of a prostitution procurement activity you will be required to must register as a sex offender.

Rhett Bernstein offers a free initial case analysis. To set up an appointment or to speak with Mr Bernstein:

  • Please visit our contact page where you can submit an email or;
  • Call his office at (503) 454-6610

We Can Help with your Prostitution Related Defense

If you or a loved one has been charged with a prostitution related offense, contact experienced criminal defense attorney Rhett Bernstein immediately. While the penalties and consequences of a Prostitution charge are governed by statutory law, only a local criminal defense attorney can tell you how cases like yours will be handled by prosecutors and judges.

Legal Disclaimer: Nothing on this site shall be taken as legal advice. For advice on a legal matter, contact attorney Rhett Bernstein immediately for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation.

Criminal Defense attorney Rhett Bernstein is available to practice criminal law anywhere throughout the state of Oregon, including: Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties; as well as most municipal courts throughout the Portland Metro area.