In General: A person can be charged with prostitution when they engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for money, a fee or an object with value. Thus you don't need to actually exchange money it can be as simple as an agreement to exchange a pocket book for sex. Both the Prostitute and the Person asking or talking to the prostitute can be charged. The person soliciting the prostitute is generally called a John. A more serious form of prostitution is promoting prostitution. Anyone who knowingly promotes prostitution or compels another person to engage in prostitution is subject to enhanced charges and significant penalties including many years in jail. The worst prostitution charge is if an individual knowingly promotes prostitution with a child under the age of 18. Moreover, it does not matter if the offender knew that the person was a minor or that the person said he/she was over the age of 18.