Indiana criminal charge
Promoting prostitution in Indiana
Promoting prostitution is a criminal offense under Indiana law, defined by Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4. Its classification is not fixed: Indiana assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4.
What is the penalty for promoting prostitution in Indiana?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 6 years (Promoting prostitution (general acts under subdivisions 1-5) — A person commits promoting prostitution by enticing/compelling, procuring, permitting use of a place, receiving proceeds, or conducting/directing a person for prostitution or juvenile prostitution.; fixed term; advisory sentence 3 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-6 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Promoting prostitution (general acts under subdivisions 1-5) — A person commits promoting prostitution by enticing/compelling, procuring, permitting use of a place, receiving proceeds, or conducting/directing a person for prostitution or juvenile prostitution.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-6 |
| Jail / prison | 2 years to 12 years (Enticing or compelling a minor into prostitution — The offense under subdivision (1) is elevated when the person enticed or compelled to become a prostitute or juvenile prostitution victim is less than eighteen (18) years of age.; fixed term; advisory sentence 6 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Enticing or compelling a minor into prostitution — The offense under subdivision (1) is elevated when the person enticed or compelled to become a prostitute or juvenile prostitution victim is less than eighteen (18) years of age.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5 |
Applies to offenses committed after June 30, 2014 (P.L.158-2013).
How is promoting prostitution classified in Indiana?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promoting prostitution (general acts under subdivisions 1-5) | Level 5 Felony | A person commits promoting prostitution by enticing/compelling, procuring, permitting use of a place, receiving proceeds, or conducting/directing a person for prostitution or juvenile prostitution. | Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4(b) |
| Enticing or compelling a minor into prostitution | Level 4 Felony | The offense under subdivision (1) is elevated when the person enticed or compelled to become a prostitute or juvenile prostitution victim is less than eighteen (18) years of age. | Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4(b) |
Common questions about promoting prostitution in Indiana
Is promoting prostitution a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
It depends on the circumstances: promoting prostitution ranges from a Level 5 Felony to a Level 4 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4.
Promoting prostitution (general acts under subdivisions 1-5): Level 5 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4(b)) · Enticing or compelling a minor into prostitution: Level 4 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4(b))
What are the penalties for promoting prostitution in Indiana?
Penalties for promoting prostitution in Indiana depend on how it is classified — from a Level 5 Felony up to a Level 4 Felony — with the ranges set by Ind. Code § 35-50-2-6 and Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Indiana statute covers promoting prostitution?
Promoting prostitution is governed by Ind. Code § 35-45-4-4 (Promoting prostitution).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.