\n(a) Any person who willfully performs any of the following acts with a person not his or her spouse commits the offense of patronizing a prostitute:\n(1) Engages in vaginal intercourse, any sexual act as defined in G.S. 14-27.20, or any sexual contact as defined in G.S. 14-27.20, for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification with a prostitute.\n(2) Enters or remains in a place of prostitution with intent to engage in vaginal intercourse, any sexual act as defined in G.S. 14-27.20, or any sexual contact as defined in G.S. 14-27.20, for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.\n(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, a first violation of this section is a Class A1 misdemeanor. Unless a higher penalty applies, a second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class G felony.\n(c) A violation of this section is a Class F felony if the defendant is 18 years of age or older and the prostitute is a minor.\n(d) A violation of this section is a Class D felony if the prostitute has a severe or profound mental disability. (2013-368, s. 5; 2015-181, s. 18; 2018-47, s. 4(f).)
North Carolina Legal Code