Is Prostitution Still a Crime in Illinois?

 Posted on July 07, 2025 in Sex Offenses

As of July 2025, prostitution remains a crime in Illinois. Soliciting a prostitute, or offering money in exchange for sex, is also still a crime under Illinois law. However, there are currently significant efforts in the works to decriminalize prostitution, and some changes have already been made. If you are facing charges related to prostitution, a Naperville, IL prostitution defense lawyer can help you understand the laws in place and the potential changes on the horizon.

Attempts to Decriminalize Consensual Sex Work in Illinois

Currently, Sections 11-14 of the Illinois Criminal Code govern prostitution. The law states that a person commits prostitution when they knowingly perform, offer, or agree to perform sexual penetration or the touching of sex organs in exchange for anything of value. The first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, but second and subsequent offenses elevate the charge to a felony.

In 2025, a bill was introduced to decriminalize adult consensual sex work. This bill aims to treat sex workers as legitimate business owners, granting them rights. House Bill 3518, entitled the Keeping Sex Workers Safe Act, proposes the idea of a sex workers’ Bill of Rights. The goal of this bill is to remove criminal prosecution and afford sex workers the same rights as other workers under Illinois law. This includes protection from discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and harassment. Sex workers would have access to workers’ compensation and health benefits. They would be able to operate as independent contractors, and the law would treat them as legitimate business owners.

The most recent action on the bill was a referral to the Rules Committee in February 2025. If it passes, Illinois would be the first state to fully decriminalize prostitution. 

Shifting Language for Prostitution Laws in Illinois

Senate Bill 3523 introduces several changes to prostitution law in Illinois. It proposed the amendment of multiple acts to change the following language:

• "Juvenile prostitution" would become "commercial sexual exploitation of a child."

•  "Prostitute" would become "person engaged in the sex trade."

• "Juvenile prostitute" would become "sexually exploited child."

These changes may seem subtle, especially considering that the laws remain in place. However, the new language reflects a more neutral and victim-centered approach to prostitution laws.

Addressing Police Conduct in Prostitution Investigations in Illinois

SB3523 also introduced the Prostitution Investigation Act. The core of this act is a requirement for law enforcement agencies to develop and implement specific policies, and the reason may be surprising. Codified under 5 ILCS 812/, the act mandates that law enforcement agencies create new policies that prohibit officers from knowingly engaging in sexual acts with a person suspected of prostitution during an investigation. The deadline for establishing the policies was July 1, 2025. 

Contact a Naperville, IL Prostitution Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing prostitution or solicitation charges, you need an experienced legal representative. The Illinois prostitution defense lawyer at Law Office of Philip R. Nathe is a former State’s Attorney in DuPage County. He understands the criminal process from both sides and knows how to effectively protect your rights. Contact him today at 630-416-7600 to learn more about the complex laws that govern these cases and how they may impact your case.