{ "batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_prostitution_chapter", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Prostitution chapter location and official name", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] South Carolina's prostitution and related offenses are codified in Title 16 (Crimes and Offenses), Chapter 15 (Offenses Against Morality and Decency), comprising Article 1 (Miscellaneous Offenses) and Article 3 (Obscenity, Material Harmful to Minors, Child Exploitation, and Child Prostitution).", "body": "South Carolina's prostitution and related offenses are codified in Title 16 (Crimes and Offenses), Chapter 15 (Offenses Against Morality and Decency), comprising Article 1 (Miscellaneous Offenses) and Article 3 (Obscenity, Material Harmful to Minors, Child Exploitation, and Child Prostitution).\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“CHAPTER 15\n\nOffenses Against Morality and Decency\n\nARTICLE 1\n\nMiscellaneous Offenses\n\nSECTION 16-15-90. Prostitution; lewdness, assignation and prostitution generally.”\n\nNote: Official anchor from scstatehouse.gov. Chapter 15 contains both general prostitution offenses (Article 1) and child prostitution/exploitation offenses (Article 3). All 6 prostitution-related sections identified: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110, 16-15-375, 16-15-415, 16-15-425.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "CHAPTER 15\n\nOffenses Against Morality and Decency\n\nARTICLE 1\n\nMiscellaneous Offenses\n\nSECTION 16-15-90. Prostitution; lewdness, assignation and prostitution generally.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "South Carolina Code of Laws Title 16, Chapter 15", "topic": "Prostitution chapter location and official name", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_90", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-90: Prostitution; lewdness, assignation and prostitution generally — operative provisions", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-90 makes it unlawful to engage in prostitution, procure or solicit for prostitution, reside in or remain in any place for lewdness, assignation or prostitution, keep a house of ill fame, and directs or transports any person to such a place with knowledge of the purpose.", "body": "Section 16-15-90 makes it unlawful to engage in prostitution, procure or solicit for prostitution, reside in or remain in any place for lewdness, assignation or prostitution, keep a house of ill fame, and directs or transports any person to such a place with knowledge of the purpose.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“It shall be unlawful to: (1) Engage in prostitution; (2) Aid or abet prostitution knowingly; (3) Procure or solicit for prostitution; (4) Expose indecently the private person for prostitution or other indecency; (5) Reside in, enter or remain in any place, structure, building, vehicle, trailer or conveyance for lewdness, assignation or prostitution; (6) Keep or set up a house of ill fame, brothel or bawdyhouse; (7) Receive any person for purposes of lewdness, assignation or prostitution into any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building; (8) Permit any person to remain for lewdness, assignation or prostitution in any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building; (9) Direct, take or transport, offer or agree to take or transport or aid or assist in transporting any person to any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building or to any other person with knowledge or having reasonable cause to believe that the purpose of such directing, taking or transporting is prostitution, lewdness or assignation; (10) Lease or rent or contract to lease or rent any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building or part thereof believing or having reasonable cause to believe that it is intended to be used for any of the purposes herein prohibited; or (11) Aid, abet, or participate knowingly in the doing of any of the acts herein prohibited.”\n\nNote: Uses the term 'assignation' — an older common-law term for a meeting for prostitution. Section has no penalty of its own; penalties set by 16-15-110. 'Prostitution' is not defined within this section but is defined in 16-15-375(4).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "It shall be unlawful to: (1) Engage in prostitution; (2) Aid or abet prostitution knowingly; (3) Procure or solicit for prostitution; (4) Expose indecently the private person for prostitution or other indecency; (5) Reside in, enter or remain in any place, structure, building, vehicle, trailer or conveyance for lewdness, assignation or prostitution; (6) Keep or set up a house of ill fame, brothel or bawdyhouse; (7) Receive any person for purposes of lewdness, assignation or prostitution into any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building; (8) Permit any person to remain for lewdness, assignation or prostitution in any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building; (9) Direct, take or transport, offer or agree to take or transport or aid or assist in transporting any person to any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building or to any other person with knowledge or having reasonable cause to believe that the purpose of such directing, taking or transporting is prostitution, lewdness or assignation; (10) Lease or rent or contract to lease or rent any vehicle, conveyance, trailer, place, structure or building or part thereof believing or having reasonable cause to believe that it is intended to be used for any of the purposes herein prohibited; or (11) Aid, abet, or participate knowingly in the doing of any of the acts herein prohibited.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-90", "topic": "Prostitution; lewdness, assignation and prostitution generally — operative provisions", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_100", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-100: Prostitution; further unlawful acts — procurement and money handling", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-100 makes it unlawful to procure a female inmate for a house of prostitution, cause or induce a female to become a prostitute, receive or give money for procuring a female to become a prostitute, or accept money without consideration from a prostitute.", "body": "Section 16-15-100 makes it unlawful to procure a female inmate for a house of prostitution, cause or induce a female to become a prostitute, receive or give money for procuring a female to become a prostitute, or accept money without consideration from a prostitute.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“It shall further be unlawful to: (1) Procure a female inmate for a house of prostitution; (2) Cause, induce, persuade or encourage by promise, threat, violence or by any scheme or device a female to become a prostitute or to remain an inmate of a house of prostitution; (3) Induce, persuade or encourage a female to come into or leave this State for prostitution or to become an inmate in a house of prostitution; (4) Receive or give or agree to receive or give any money or thing of value for procuring or attempting to procure any female to become a prostitute or an inmate in a house of prostitution; (5) Accept or receive knowingly any money or other thing of value without consideration from a prostitute; or (6) Aid, abet or participate knowingly in the doing of any of the acts herein prohibited.”\n\nNote: The term 'female' in this section reflects historical drafting; it has not been amended to use gender-neutral language. Penalty is set by 16-15-110.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "It shall further be unlawful to: (1) Procure a female inmate for a house of prostitution; (2) Cause, induce, persuade or encourage by promise, threat, violence or by any scheme or device a female to become a prostitute or to remain an inmate of a house of prostitution; (3) Induce, persuade or encourage a female to come into or leave this State for prostitution or to become an inmate in a house of prostitution; (4) Receive or give or agree to receive or give any money or thing of value for procuring or attempting to procure any female to become a prostitute or an inmate in a house of prostitution; (5) Accept or receive knowingly any money or other thing of value without consideration from a prostitute; or (6) Aid, abet or participate knowingly in the doing of any of the acts herein prohibited.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-100", "topic": "Prostitution; further unlawful acts — procurement and money handling", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_110", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-110: Prostitution; violations — graduated penalty schedule", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-110 sets a graduated penalty schedule for violating Sections 16-15-90 and 16-15-100: first offense is a fine not exceeding $200 or confinement up to 30 days; second offense is a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months; third or subsequent offense is a fine not exceeding $3,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year.", "body": "Section 16-15-110 sets a graduated penalty schedule for violating Sections 16-15-90 and 16-15-100: first offense is a fine not exceeding $200 or confinement up to 30 days; second offense is a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months; third or subsequent offense is a fine not exceeding $3,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“Any person violating any provision of Sections 16-15-90 and 16-15-100 must, upon conviction, be punished as follows: (1) for the first offense, a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or confinement in prison for a period of not more than thirty days; (2) for the second offense, a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or imprisonment for not exceeding six months, or both; (3) for the third or any subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding three thousand dollars or imprisonment for not less than one year, or both.”\n\nNote: The third offense carries a mandatory minimum of one year imprisonment — the most severe tier. The statute does not explicitly label these as misdemeanors or felonies; the penalty schedule operates as graduated misdemeanor-level punishment with a felony-like minimum for third offense.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "Any person violating any provision of Sections 16-15-90 and 16-15-100 must, upon conviction, be punished as follows: (1) for the first offense, a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or confinement in prison for a period of not more than thirty days; (2) for the second offense, a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or imprisonment for not exceeding six months, or both; (3) for the third or any subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding three thousand dollars or imprisonment for not less than one year, or both.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-110", "topic": "Prostitution; violations — graduated penalty schedule", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "money.fees", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_375_def", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-375(4): Definition of \"Prostitution\" in the definitions section", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-375(4) defines \"prostitution\" as engaging or offering to engage in sexual activity with or for another in exchange for anything of value — the statute turns on both a fee (anything of value) and sexual contact, not on either alone.", "body": "Section 16-15-375(4) defines \"prostitution\" as engaging or offering to engage in sexual activity with or for another in exchange for anything of value — the statute turns on both a fee (anything of value) and sexual contact, not on either alone.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“(4) \"Prostitution\" means engaging or offering to engage in sexual activity with or for another in exchange for anything of value.”\n\nNote: This definition is in Article 3, Section 16-15-375, and applies to Sections 16-15-385 through 16-15-425. It does NOT explicitly apply to Sections 16-15-90 or 16-15-100 in Article 1; those sections use the term 'prostitution' without defining it. Whether the Article 3 definition supplies the definition for Article 1 is an open question. The definition turns on BOTH sexual activity AND exchange for anything of value.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "(4) \"Prostitution\" means engaging or offering to engage in sexual activity with or for another in exchange for anything of value.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-375(4)", "topic": "Definition of \"Prostitution\" in the definitions section", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_415", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-415: Promoting prostitution of a minor — felony provisions", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-415 makes it a felony (imprisonment not less than 3 years nor more than 20 years) to knowingly entice, force, encourage, or otherwise facilitate a minor to participate in prostitution, or to supervise, support, advise, or promote the prostitution of or by a minor.", "body": "Section 16-15-415 makes it a felony (imprisonment not less than 3 years nor more than 20 years) to knowingly entice, force, encourage, or otherwise facilitate a minor to participate in prostitution, or to supervise, support, advise, or promote the prostitution of or by a minor.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“(A) An individual commits the offense of promoting prostitution of a minor if he knowingly: (1) entices, forces, encourages, or otherwise facilitates a minor to participate in prostitution; or (2) supervises, supports, advises, or promotes the prostitution of or by a minor. (B) Mistake of age is not a defense to a prosecution under this section. (C) An individual who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not less than three years nor more than twenty years. No part of the minimum sentence may be suspended nor is the individual convicted eligible for parole until he has served the minimum sentence. Sentences imposed pursuant to this section must run consecutively with and must commence at the expiration of another sentence being served by the individual sentenced.”\n\nNote: Felony with mandatory minimum 3 years. Parole ineligible until minimum served. Creator-relevant: anyone who pays, directs, or supervises a person under 18 in sexual activity for any value (including digital content) could trigger this section.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "(A) An individual commits the offense of promoting prostitution of a minor if he knowingly: (1) entices, forces, encourages, or otherwise facilitates a minor to participate in prostitution; or (2) supervises, supports, advises, or promotes the prostitution of or by a minor. (B) Mistake of age is not a defense to a prosecution under this section. (C) An individual who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not less than three years nor more than twenty years. No part of the minimum sentence may be suspended nor is the individual convicted eligible for parole until he has served the minimum sentence. Sentences imposed pursuant to this section must run consecutively with and must commence at the expiration of another sentence being served by the individual sentenced.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-415", "topic": "Promoting prostitution of a minor — felony provisions", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_425", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-425: Participating in prostitution of a minor — patronizing a minor prostitute", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-425 makes it a felony (imprisonment not less than 2 years nor more than 5 years) for a non-minor to patronize a minor prostitute, including soliciting or requesting a minor to participate in prostitution, paying or agreeing to pay a minor to participate in prostitution, or paying a minor for having participated in prostitution pursuant to a prior agreement.", "body": "Section 16-15-425 makes it a felony (imprisonment not less than 2 years nor more than 5 years) for a non-minor to patronize a minor prostitute, including soliciting or requesting a minor to participate in prostitution, paying or agreeing to pay a minor to participate in prostitution, or paying a minor for having participated in prostitution pursuant to a prior agreement.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“(A) An individual commits the offense of participating in the prostitution of a minor if he is not a minor and he patronizes a minor prostitute. As used in this section, \"patronizing a minor prostitute\" means: (1) soliciting or requesting a minor to participate in prostitution; (2) paying or agreeing to pay a minor, either directly or through the minor's agent, to participate in prostitution; or (3) paying a minor, or the minor's agent, for having participated in prostitution, pursuant to a prior agreement. (B) Mistake of age is not a defense to a prosecution under this section. (C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not less than two years nor more than five years.”\n\nNote: Felony with mandatory minimum 2 years. The section specifically addresses paying money to a minor for sexual activity — directly relevant to anyone paying a co-performer under 18 for filmed content.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "(A) An individual commits the offense of participating in the prostitution of a minor if he is not a minor and he patronizes a minor prostitute. As used in this section, \"patronizing a minor prostitute\" means: (1) soliciting or requesting a minor to participate in prostitution; (2) paying or agreeing to pay a minor, either directly or through the minor's agent, to participate in prostitution; or (3) paying a minor, or the minor's agent, for having participated in prostitution, pursuant to a prior agreement. (B) Mistake of age is not a defense to a prosecution under this section. (C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not less than two years nor more than five years.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-425", "topic": "Participating in prostitution of a minor — patronizing a minor prostitute", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_325", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-325: Participation in preparation of obscene material — misdemeanor penalty", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-325 makes it a misdemeanor (imprisonment not more than 1 year and fined not more than $1,000) to knowingly photograph oneself or another person or animal, or to model, pose, act, or otherwise assist in preparing obscene film, photograph, or digital electronic files for dissemination.", "body": "Section 16-15-325 makes it a misdemeanor (imprisonment not more than 1 year and fined not more than $1,000) to knowingly photograph oneself or another person or animal, or to model, pose, act, or otherwise assist in preparing obscene film, photograph, or digital electronic files for dissemination.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“Any individual who knowingly: (a) photographs himself or any other individual or animal for purposes of preparing an obscene film, photograph, negative, slide, videotapes, motion picture, or digital electronic files for dissemination; or (b) models, poses, acts, or otherwise assists in the preparation of any obscene film, photograph, negative, slide, videotapes, motion picture, or digital electronic files for dissemination is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than one year and fined not more than one thousand dollars.”\n\nNote: This section criminalizes both the photographer and the model/poser in preparing obscene material. Whether filmed adult content for commercial sale constitutes 'obscene material' depends on the Section 16-15-305 obscenity definition. This is a misdemeanor.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "Any individual who knowingly: (a) photographs himself or any other individual or animal for purposes of preparing an obscene film, photograph, negative, slide, videotapes, motion picture, or digital electronic files for dissemination; or (b) models, poses, acts, or otherwise assists in the preparation of any obscene film, photograph, negative, slide, videotapes, motion picture, or digital electronic files for dissemination is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than one year and fined not more than one thousand dollars.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-325", "topic": "Participation in preparation of obscene material — misdemeanor penalty", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "craft.posting" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_332", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-332: Disseminating intimate images without consent — felony/misdemeanor", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-332 makes it a felony (up to 5 years or $5,000 fine; up to 10 years/$10,000 for second offense) with intent to cause harm or for profit/pecuniary gain to disseminate an intimate image without the effective consent of the depicted person; without such intent it is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year/$5,000; second offense felony up to 5 years/$5,000).", "body": "Section 16-15-332 makes it a felony (up to 5 years or $5,000 fine; up to 10 years/$10,000 for second offense) with intent to cause harm or for profit/pecuniary gain to disseminate an intimate image without the effective consent of the depicted person; without such intent it is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year/$5,000; second offense felony up to 5 years/$5,000).\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“(A) A person who intentionally disseminates an intimate image or a digitally forged intimate image of another person without the effective consent of the depicted person is guilty of the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images. (B) A person who violates the provisions of this section, with the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the individual portrayed in the image, or for profit or pecuniary gain, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, for a: (1) first offense, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; or (2) second or subsequent offense, after an intervening conviction or adjudication for a previous violation of the provisions of this section, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than one year but not more than ten years, or both. (C) A person who violates the provisions of this section, without the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the individual portrayed in the image, or for profit or pecuniary gain, for a: (1) first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; or (2) second or subsequent offense. Is guilty of a felony. Must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.”\n\nNote: Definition of 'intimate image' is in 16-15-330(4). 'Effective consent' is defined in 16-15-330(2). Disclosing an image previously consented to be created does not constitute effective consent for dissemination. Relevant to creators whose intimate images are shared without consent. Effective May 12, 2025 (2025 Act No. 37).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "(A) A person who intentionally disseminates an intimate image or a digitally forged intimate image of another person without the effective consent of the depicted person is guilty of the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images. (B) A person who violates the provisions of this section, with the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the individual portrayed in the image, or for profit or pecuniary gain, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, for a: (1) first offense, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; or (2) second or subsequent offense, after an intervening conviction or adjudication for a previous violation of the provisions of this section, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than one year but not more than ten years, or both. (C) A person who violates the provisions of this section, without the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the individual portrayed in the image, or for profit or pecuniary gain, for a: (1) first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; or (2) second or subsequent offense. Is guilty of a felony. Must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-332", "topic": "Disseminating intimate images without consent — felony/misdemeanor", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.privacy", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_375_sexual_activity", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-375(5): Definition of \"Sexual activity\" in the definitions section", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-375(5) defines \"sexual activity\" to include masturbation, vaginal/anal/oral intercourse (whether with a human or animal), touching of genitals/pubic area/buttocks/breasts in an act of apparent sexual stimulation, bestiality, sado-masochistic abuse, excretory functions, and insertion of any body part or object into another's anus or vagina.", "body": "Section 16-15-375(5) defines \"sexual activity\" to include masturbation, vaginal/anal/oral intercourse (whether with a human or animal), touching of genitals/pubic area/buttocks/breasts in an act of apparent sexual stimulation, bestiality, sado-masochistic abuse, excretory functions, and insertion of any body part or object into another's anus or vagina.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“(5) \"Sexual activity\" includes any of the following acts or simulations thereof: (a) masturbation, whether done alone or with another human or animal; (b) vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, whether done with another human or an animal; (c) touching, in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or sexual abuse, of the clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, or buttocks of another person or the clothed or unclothed breasts of a human female; (d) an act or condition that depicts bestiality, sado-masochistic abuse, meaning flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments or in a costume which reveals the pubic hair, anus, vulva, genitals, or female breast nipples, or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained on the part of the one so clothed; (e) excretory functions; (f) the insertion of any part of a person's body, other than the male sexual organ, or of any object into another person's anus or vagina, except when done as part of a recognized medical procedure.”\n\nNote: This definition feeds into the definition of prostitution in 16-15-375(4) and into the child exploitation sections. The inclusion of bestiality and sado-masochistic abuse makes this a broad definition.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "(5) \"Sexual activity\" includes any of the following acts or simulations thereof: (a) masturbation, whether done alone or with another human or animal; (b) vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, whether done with another human or an animal; (c) touching, in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or sexual abuse, of the clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, or buttocks of another person or the clothed or unclothed breasts of a human female; (d) an act or condition that depicts bestiality, sado-masochistic abuse, meaning flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments or in a costume which reveals the pubic hair, anus, vulva, genitals, or female breast nipples, or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained on the part of the one so clothed; (e) excretory functions; (f) the insertion of any part of a person's body, other than the male sexual organ, or of any object into another person's anus or vagina, except when done as part of a recognized medical procedure.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-375(5)", "topic": "Definition of \"Sexual activity\" in the definitions section", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_375_sexually_explicit_nudity", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-375(6): Definition of \"Sexually explicit nudity\" in the definitions section", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-375(6) defines \"sexually explicit nudity\" as showing uncovered or less than opaquely covered human genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or the nipple or any portion of the areola of the human female breast, or covered human male genitals in a discernably turgid state.", "body": "Section 16-15-375(6) defines \"sexually explicit nudity\" as showing uncovered or less than opaquely covered human genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or the nipple or any portion of the areola of the human female breast, or covered human male genitals in a discernably turgid state.\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“(6) \"Sexually explicit nudity\" means the showing of: (a) uncovered, or less than opaquely covered human genitals, pubic area, or buttocks, or the nipple or any portion of the areola of the human female breast; or (b) covered human male genitals in a discernably turgid state.”\n\nNote: This definition feeds into Section 16-15-375(1) ('Harmful to minors'), Section 16-15-387 (employment of person under 18 to appear in state of sexually explicit nudity), and the intimate image definition in 16-15-330(4). Relevant to determining whether filmed content involving nudity constitutes 'sexually explicit nudity' under SC law.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "(6) \"Sexually explicit nudity\" means the showing of: (a) uncovered, or less than opaquely covered human genitals, pubic area, or buttocks, or the nipple or any portion of the areola of the human female breast; or (b) covered human male genitals in a discernably turgid state.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-375(6)", "topic": "Definition of \"Sexually explicit nudity\" in the definitions section", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r293_south_carolina_prostitution_statute_every_section_sc_16_15_430", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SC Code 16-15-430: Sexual extortion; aggravated sexual extortion — felony provisions", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16-15-430 makes it a felony to intentionally and maliciously threaten to release, exhibit, or distribute a private image of another to compel the victim to do any act or refrain from doing any act against their will, with intent to obtain additional private images or anything else of value. Penalty ranges from up to 5 years (first offense) to up to 20 years (third or subsequent offense).", "body": "Section 16-15-430 makes it a felony to intentionally and maliciously threaten to release, exhibit, or distribute a private image of another to compel the victim to do any act or refrain from doing any act against their will, with intent to obtain additional private images or anything else of value. Penalty ranges from up to 5 years (first offense) to up to 20 years (third or subsequent offense).\n\nWhat South Carolina Legislative Services Agency actually says:\n\n“(B) A person commits the offense of felony sexual extortion if the actor intentionally and maliciously threatens to release, exhibit, or distribute a private image of another to compel or attempt to compel the victim to do any act or refrain from doing any act against his will, with the intent to obtain additional private images or anything else of value. Except as provided in subsections (C) and (D), a person convicted of sexual extortion must be imprisoned: (1) not more than five years for a first offense; (2) not more than ten years for a second offense; or (3) not more than twenty years for a third or subsequent offense.”\n\nNote: 'Private image' is defined in 16-15-430(A)(4) as an image depicting sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity, as defined in Section 16-15-375, or sexual conduct, as defined in Section 16-15-305. 'Image' includes live transmission and digital or computer-generated visual depiction. Relevant to creators threatened with image release. Penalty escalates with number of offenses.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php", "last_verified": "2026-09-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "South Carolina Legislative Services Agency", "evidence_quote": "(B) A person commits the offense of felony sexual extortion if the actor intentionally and maliciously threatens to release, exhibit, or distribute a private image of another to compel or attempt to compel the victim to do any act or refrain from doing any act against his will, with the intent to obtain additional private images or anything else of value. Except as provided in subsections (C) and (D), a person convicted of sexual extortion must be imprisoned: (1) not more than five years for a first offense; (2) not more than ten years for a second offense; or (3) not more than twenty years for a third or subsequent offense.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "293-south-carolina-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "SC Code 16-15-430", "topic": "Sexual extortion; aggravated sexual extortion — felony provisions", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-sc" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.harm", "safety.privacy" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } } ] }