Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree C.G.S. § 53a-88

Facing a charge of promoting prostitution in the third degree can feel overwhelming and unfair. Many of my clients come to me shocked because they weren’t running a prostitution business, using force, or dealing with minors — yet they still ended up in handcuffs. The truth is, this statute is written so broadly that even helping someone, giving them a ride, or being accused of taking money can be enough to bring a felony charge.

The stigma that comes with a charge like this is devastating. Friends, family, and employers may judge you harshly before you’ve had a chance to tell your side of the story. I want you to know that being accused is not the same as being guilty — and with the right defense strategy, many of these cases can be reduced, diverted, or dismissed entirely.

Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-88 makes it a crime if a person knowingly advances or profits from prostitution.

• Advance prostitution means to knowingly help arrange, facilitate, or encourage prostitution — such as providing a place, introducing customers, or managing logistics.
• Profit from prostitution means accepting or sharing money that comes from prostitution.

Unlike the higher degrees of promoting prostitution, this charge does not require force, threats, or involvement of minors.

Promoting prostitution in the third degree is a Class D felony in Connecticut. Penalties include:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• A fine of up to $5,000
• Probation with conditions such as counseling or restrictions on association

The felony conviction itself is often the most damaging consequence. A felony record can follow you for life, impacting employment, housing, and reputation.

• Example 1 – Collecting Rent: A landlord rents out rooms knowing they are being used for prostitution and collects higher rent in exchange. Police later charge the landlord under § 53a-88 for profiting from prostitution.
• Example 2 – Sharing Money: Two friends are accused of splitting proceeds from prostitution activity. Even if one person never directly solicited, prosecutors may still claim they “profited” and charge them with promoting prostitution.
• Example 3 – Arranging a Meeting: Someone introduces a sex worker to a potential client and later accepts a “finder’s fee.” That act of facilitation can qualify as advancing prostitution.
• Example 4 – Innocent Scenario: A driver is hired through a rideshare app to bring someone to a hotel. Later it turns out the passenger was meeting clients there. The driver had no knowledge of prostitution, so no crime has been committed.

• Promoting Prostitution 2nd Degree (§ 53a-87): Involves coercion or victims who are 16–17 years old.
• Promoting Prostitution 1st Degree (§ 53a-86): Involves force, intimidation, or victims under 16.
• Patronizing a Prostitute (§ 53a-83): Charged against those accused of purchasing sexual services.
• Human Trafficking (§ 53a-192a): Covers broader exploitation beyond prostitution, especially with minors.
• Risk of Injury to a Minor (§ 53-21): Added if someone under 16 is involved.

• Lack of Knowledge: The state must prove you knowingly advanced or profited from prostitution. Innocent involvement does not qualify.
• No Intent: Helping a friend with money or transportation without knowing about prostitution cannot be criminal.
• Weak or Unreliable Witnesses: Many of these cases rely on testimony from alleged sex workers or clients who may have incentives to cooperate with police.
• Entrapment: In some cases, undercover operations push people into situations they otherwise would not have engaged in.
• Diversionary Programs: For first-time offenders, programs such as Accelerated Rehabilitation may be available to avoid a felony conviction.

It means knowingly helping arrange, encourage, or profit from prostitution. This can include things like providing a location, introducing clients, or taking a share of money from prostitution activities.

Yes. Promoting prostitution in the third degree is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Even though it is the lowest level, a felony record can still follow you for life.

No. You can be charged just for advancing prostitution by setting up meetings or providing assistance. Profiting from the activity makes the case stronger, but money isn’t required.

If you had no knowledge of prostitution, then you did not act with the intent required by the statute. Lack of knowledge is a strong defense your lawyer can raise in court.

No. Mere presence is not enough to convict you. Prosecutors must prove you knowingly participated by advancing or profiting from prostitution.

Many cases rely heavily on testimony from alleged sex workers or clients. An experienced lawyer can challenge credibility and show that the state’s evidence is weak or unreliable.

Yes, in some cases. First-time offenders may qualify for Accelerated Rehabilitation, which can lead to dismissal, or your lawyer may negotiate reduced charges.

A lawyer can challenge the evidence, argue lack of intent, and raise defenses like entrapment or mistaken identity. The goal is always to protect your record and avoid a felony conviction.

Being charged with promoting prostitution in the third degree under § 53a-88 is serious, but you don’t have to face it alone. Many cases are built on assumptions or weak testimony that can be challenged in court.

📞 Call me today at (203) 357-5555 for a free consultation or contact me online. I will fight to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation.