Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-86 – Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree

Under C.G.S. § 53a-86, a person is guilty of Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree when they:

1. Compel or induce another person to engage in prostitution by the use of force or intimidation, or
2. Profit from prostitution of a person under the age of 18, or
3. Advance prostitution by compelling a person under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution.

This law is Connecticut’s harshest prostitution-related offense, focusing on those who exploit others — especially minors — or use force, threats, or coercion to promote sex work.

• Class B felony
• Prison sentence: 1 to 20 years
• Mandatory minimum: 9 months (cannot be suspended)
• Fine: Up to $15,000
• Probation: Possible after incarceration, with strict supervision
• Permanent felony record that impacts employment, housing, and immigration

A man pressures a woman into prostitution by threatening to harm her if she refuses. Because intimidation was used, it qualifies as promoting prostitution in the first degree.

A 25-year-old arranges clients for a 17-year-old and takes a cut of the money. Even without threats, the fact that the victim is under 18 makes this First Degree.

A trafficker physically prevents a woman from leaving a motel until she agrees to see clients. The use of force and confinement escalates the charge to First Degree.

• § 53a-87 – Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree (Class C felony)
• § 53a-88 – Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree (Class D felony)
• § 53a-83 – Prostitution (applies to the person engaging in sex work)
• § 53a-192a – Trafficking in Persons (often charged alongside when minors or coercion are involved)

• Consent issues: Was the alleged victim acting independently rather than being forced or intimidated?
• Age verification: Prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim was under 18 when age is the aggravating factor.
• Insufficient evidence: Lack of corroboration, unreliable witnesses, or weak undercover stings.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced the conduct, entrapment may be a defense.
• Plea negotiation: In certain cases, charges can be reduced to Second or Third Degree Promoting Prostitution, which carry lighter penalties.

It means profiting from, compelling, or facilitating another person’s prostitution.

Yes. First Degree Promoting Prostitution is a Class B felony.

Yes. There is a 9-month mandatory minimum in prison.

If force, threats, or a minor under 18 is involved, consent does not matter under the statute.

They may be charged under prostitution statutes, but often prosecutors treat them as victims in these cases.

Mistake of age is not always a defense. Courts generally hold that the defendant assumes the risk if the person is under 18.

Human trafficking focuses on broader exploitation (labor or sex), while § 53a-86 specifically targets promoting prostitution with force or minors.

Yes, with strong advocacy, it may be reduced to Second or Third Degree Promoting Prostitution or even lesser charges, depending on evidence.

Prosecutors may charge conspiracy, trafficking, and other felonies in addition to § 53a-86.

A lawyer can challenge evidence, negotiate plea reductions, or argue for the lowest possible sentence, but the 9-month minimum makes avoiding prison very difficult if convicted.

A charge of Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-86) is extremely serious, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence and life-changing consequences. Early legal intervention is critical.

📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 or reach out through my contact page for a confidential consultation.