This week’s #fridayfacts covers Patronizing a Prostitute under Penal Law §230.04.
It is illegal to agree to or pay a fee for a sexual act, or even to offer or request such an exchange. The paying party commits Patronizing a Prostitute—a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail.
The person performing the act commits Prostitution under §230.00, a Class B Misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail.
Gender is irrelevant, and it is an affirmative defense if the person offering services is a victim of trafficking or coercion.