720 ILCS 5/11-18 – Patronizing a Person Engaged in the Sex Trade
This law makes it illegal to pay for or try to pay for sexual acts with someone who is selling sex.
In Illinois, it is against the law to engage in sexual activities with someone in exchange for money or to enter a place where prostitution happens with the plan to have sex. This crime is called patronizing a person engaged in the sex trade.
(a): A person commits this crime if they do any of these things with someone who is not their spouse:
- Has sexual intercourse or other sexual penetration with a person who is selling sex
- Goes into or stays in a place where prostitution happens with the plan to have sex
- Touches the private parts of a person who is selling sex to feel sexual pleasure or excitement
(b): Sentence: This crime is usually a Class 4 felony, which is a serious crime. However, if it happens within 1,000 feet of a school, it becomes a Class 3 felony, which is even more serious. If someone is found guilty of this crime a second time, or guilty of this crime plus certain other related crimes, it is a Class 3 felony. When the court orders someone to pay a fine for this crime, the money goes to a special fund that helps survivors of human trafficking.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Southern Illinois criminal defense lawyer.
