Image

§ 567.030 RSMo – Patronizing Prostitution in Missouri

Verified Content

Posted by Christopher Combs on July 21, 2025

567.030. Patronizing prostitution — penalty.

It’s illegal to pay or offer to pay for sex in Missouri.

This law makes it a crime to pay, offer to pay, or ask someone for sex in exchange for money or anything valuable. The penalties are more serious if a child is involved.

1. A person commits the offense or patronizing prostitution if they:

  1. Pay someone for sex after it already happened;
  2. Offer to pay for sex in the future; or
  3. Ask someone to engage in sex for something of value.

2. It is not a defense to say you thought the person was 18 or older.

3. The punishment is usually a class B misdemeanor. But if the person involved is under 18 (but older than 14), it becomes a class E felony.

4. If the person is 14 or younger, it becomes a class D felony. The person can also be charged with more serious crimes like:

View the full statute here

Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.

Open Video
Image

Featured Results:

Client Review, DUI Case

Play video
Image

Get In Touch:

St. Louis

Main Office

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Clayton

By Appointment Only

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Kansas City

By Appointment Only

(913) 77-CRIME

Get Directions