§ 11-34.1-2 - Prostitution. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 11-34.1-2

   § 11-34.1-2  Prostitution. – (a) A person is guilty of prostitution when such person engages or agrees oroffers to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee. Anyperson found guilty under this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanorand shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months,or to a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more thanone thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

   (b) Any person found guilty of a subsequent offense underthis section shall be subject to imprisonment for a term of not more than oneyear, or a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than onethousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

   (c) Any proceeds derived directly from a violation of thissection are subject to seizure and forfeiture and further proceedings shall behad for their forfeiture as is prescribed by law in chapter 21 of title 12.

   (d) In any prosecution for a violation under this section itshall be an affirmative defense if the accused was forced to commit acommercial sexual activity by:

   (1) Being threatened or, subjected to physical harm;

   (2) Being physically restrained or threatened to bephysically restrained;

   (3) Being subject to threats of abuse of law or legal process;

   (4) Being subject to destruction, concealment, removal orconfiscation, of any passport or other immigration document, or any otheractual or purported governmental identification document; or

   (5) Being subject to intimidation in which the accused'sphysical well being was perceived as threatened.