N.Y. Penal Law Section 230.01
Prostitution

  • affirmative defense
In any prosecution under section 230.00, section 230.03, section 230.19, section 230.20, subdivision 2 of section 230.25, subdivision 2 of section 230.30 or section 230.34-a of this article, it is an affirmative defense that the defendant’s participation in the offense was a result of having been a victim of compelling prostitution under section 230.33 of this article, a victim of sex trafficking under section 230.34 of this article, a victim of sex trafficking of a child under section 230.34-a of this article or a victim of trafficking in persons under the trafficking victims protection act (United States Code, Title 22, Chapter 78).

Source: Section 230.01 — Prostitution; affirmative defense, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PEN/230.­01 (updated Feb. 5, 2021; accessed Feb. 28, 2026).

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Verified:
Feb. 28, 2026

Last modified:
Feb. 5, 2021

§ 230.01. Prostitution's source at nysenate​.gov

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