{
  "batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_anchor_ch35",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: statutory code index",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's prostitution and related offences sit in Title 17-A (Maine Criminal Code), Chapter 35, published under the exact name 'Title 17-A, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY' on the Revisor of Statutes site at legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Ach35sec0.html, and the chapter contains sections 17-A §851 through 17-A §855.",
      "body": "Maine's prostitution and related offences sit in Title 17-A (Maine Criminal Code), Chapter 35, published under the exact name 'Title 17-A, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY' on the Revisor of Statutes site at legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Ach35sec0.html, and the chapter contains sections 17-A §851 through 17-A §855.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Title 17-A, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY”\n\nNote: Anchor record. The page heading 'Title 17-A, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY' is the verbatim evidence. The chapter links to sections 17-A §851, §852, §853, §853-A (REPEALED), §853-B, §854 and §855.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Ach35sec0.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Title 17-A, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "statutory code index",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "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_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_851",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: prostitution definitions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine defines 'prostitution' in 17-A §851(1) as engaging in, agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact as defined in section 251, in return for a pecuniary benefit to be received by the person being prostituted or a 3rd person.",
      "body": "Maine defines 'prostitution' in 17-A §851(1) as engaging in, agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact as defined in section 251, in return for a pecuniary benefit to be received by the person being prostituted or a 3rd person.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“1.  \"Prostitution\" means engaging in, or agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact, as those terms are defined in [section 251](../17-A/title17-Asec251.html), in return for a pecuniary benefit to be received by the person being prostituted or a 3rd person;”\n\nNote: Definition of prostitution under Chapter 35. The term 'sexual act' and 'sexual contact' are defined in 17-A §251. The pecuniary benefit can go to the person being prostituted or a third person.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec851.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "1.  \"Prostitution\" means engaging in, or agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact, as those terms are defined in [section 251](../17-A/title17-Asec251.html), in return for a pecuniary benefit to be received by the person being prostituted or a 3rd person;",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "prostitution definitions",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal",
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_852",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: aggravated sex trafficking",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's aggravated sex trafficking statute (17-A §852) establishes three ways to commit the crime: compelling a person into prostitution, promoting prostitution of a 15-17 year old, or promoting prostitution of a person with a mental disability; violation of subsection 1 is a Class B crime, and subsection 1-A (promoting prostitution of a person 14 or younger) is a Class A crime.",
      "body": "Maine's aggravated sex trafficking statute (17-A §852) establishes three ways to commit the crime: compelling a person into prostitution, promoting prostitution of a 15-17 year old, or promoting prostitution of a person with a mental disability; violation of subsection 1 is a Class B crime, and subsection 1-A (promoting prostitution of a person 14 or younger) is a Class A crime.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“1.  A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly:   A. Promotes prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in or remain in prostitution;   B. Promotes prostitution of a person 15, 16 or 17 years of age; or   C. Promotes prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct involved. Violation of this subsection is a Class B crime. 1-A. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly promotes prostitution of a person 14 years of age or younger. Violation of this subsection is a Class A crime.”\n\nNote: Penalty classes are explicitly stated: Class B for subsection 1, Class A for subsection 1-A. The definition of 'compelling' is in subsection 2.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec852.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "1.  A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly:   A. Promotes prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in or remain in prostitution;   B. Promotes prostitution of a person 15, 16 or 17 years of age; or   C. Promotes prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct involved. Violation of this subsection is a Class B crime. 1-A. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly promotes prostitution of a person 14 years of age or younger. Violation of this subsection is a Class A crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "aggravated sex trafficking",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal",
          "money.payout"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_853",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: sex trafficking",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's sex trafficking statute (17-A §853) makes it a Class D crime to knowingly promote prostitution, a Class C crime if the person has 2+ prior convictions for this section or related Maine offenses or substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction, and provides that it is a defense that the defendant publicly solicited a patron to engage in prostitution only with the person.",
      "body": "Maine's sex trafficking statute (17-A §853) makes it a Class D crime to knowingly promote prostitution, a Class C crime if the person has 2+ prior convictions for this section or related Maine offenses or substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction, and provides that it is a defense that the defendant publicly solicited a patron to engage in prostitution only with the person.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of sex trafficking if: A. The person knowingly promotes prostitution. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or B. The person violates [paragraph A] and has 2 or more prior convictions in this State for any combination of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. The Maine offenses are any violation of this section or [section 852], [853-B] or [855] or attempts to commit any of these crimes. [Section 9-A] governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the act alleged to constitute sex trafficking consisted of the person publicly soliciting a patron to engage in prostitution only with the person.”\n\nNote: Subsection 4 added by PL 2023, c. 316, §7 (NEW) provides an affirmative defense for public solicitation of a patron to engage in prostitution only with the person.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec853.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of sex trafficking if: A. The person knowingly promotes prostitution. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or B. The person violates [paragraph A] and has 2 or more prior convictions in this State for any combination of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. The Maine offenses are any violation of this section or [section 852], [853-B] or [855] or attempts to commit any of these crimes. [Section 9-A] governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the act alleged to constitute sex trafficking consisted of the person publicly soliciting a patron to engage in prostitution only with the person.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "sex trafficking",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "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_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_853_a",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: engaging in prostitution (repealed)",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's former 17-A §853-A 'Engaging in prostitution' has been repealed (PL 2023, c. 316, §8) and is no longer in force; the section heading on the official Revisor of Statutes page reads '§853-A. Engaging in prostitution (REPEALED)' and the page body contains only the section history.",
      "body": "Maine's former 17-A §853-A 'Engaging in prostitution' has been repealed (PL 2023, c. 316, §8) and is no longer in force; the section heading on the official Revisor of Statutes page reads '§853-A. Engaging in prostitution (REPEALED)' and the page body contains only the section history.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“### §853-A. Engaging in prostitution (REPEALED)”\n\nNote: The page shows only the heading with '(REPEALED)' and the section history; no operative text remains. This is a record of absence/ repeal, not of a current offence.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec853-A.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "### §853-A. Engaging in prostitution (REPEALED)",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "engaging in prostitution (repealed)",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "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_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_853_b",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: engaging person for prostitution",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's §853-B 'Engaging person for prostitution' creates two crimes: (1) engaging a person for prostitution (subsection A) is a Class E crime; (2) doing so with a prior conviction is a Class D crime. Section 853-B(1) also provides that the prior conviction must be within 2 years of the current offense.",
      "body": "Maine's §853-B 'Engaging person for prostitution' creates two crimes: (1) engaging a person for prostitution (subsection A) is a Class E crime; (2) doing so with a prior conviction is a Class D crime. Section 853-B(1) also provides that the prior conviction must be within 2 years of the current offense.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of engaging a person for prostitution if: A. The person engages a person for prostitution within the meaning of [section 851, subsection 1‑A]. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or   B. The person violates [paragraph A] and, at the time of the offense, the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. [Section 9‑A] governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence, except that, for the purposes of this paragraph, the date of the prior conviction may not precede the commission of the offense by more than 2 years. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.”\n\nNote: Two penalty tiers: Class E for first offense, Class D with prior conviction. The 2-year lookback on prior convictions is in subsection B.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec853-B.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of engaging a person for prostitution if: A. The person engages a person for prostitution within the meaning of [section 851, subsection 1‑A]. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or   B. The person violates [paragraph A] and, at the time of the offense, the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. [Section 9‑A] governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence, except that, for the purposes of this paragraph, the date of the prior conviction may not precede the commission of the offense by more than 2 years. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "engaging person for prostitution",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "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_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_854",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: indecent conduct",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's indecent conduct statute (17-A §854) covers five scenarios: public-place sexual act or genitals exposure (Class E, Class D with 2+ priors), private-place exposure intended to be seen from public (Class E), private-place exposure intended to cause affront/alarm (Class E), and repeat violations of private exposure (Class D).",
      "body": "Maine's indecent conduct statute (17-A §854) covers five scenarios: public-place sexual act or genitals exposure (Class E, Class D with 2+ priors), private-place exposure intended to be seen from public (Class E), private-place exposure intended to cause affront/alarm (Class E), and repeat violations of private exposure (Class D).\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of indecent conduct if: A. In a public place: (1) The actor engages in a sexual act, as defined in section 251. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; (2) The actor knowingly exposes the actor's genitals under circumstances that in fact are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; (3) The actor violates subparagraph (1) and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this subparagraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or (4) The actor violates subparagraph (2) and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this subparagraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; B. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen from a public place or from another private place. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; C. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen by another person in that private place under circumstances that the actor knows are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; D. The actor violates paragraph B and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or E. The actor violates paragraph C and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.”\n\nNote: Comprehensive penalty structure with five main scenarios and repeat offender tiers.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec854.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of indecent conduct if: A. In a public place: (1) The actor engages in a sexual act, as defined in section 251. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; (2) The actor knowingly exposes the actor's genitals under circumstances that in fact are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; (3) The actor violates subparagraph (1) and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this subparagraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or (4) The actor violates subparagraph (2) and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this subparagraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; B. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen from a public place or from another private place. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; C. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen by another person in that private place under circumstances that the actor knows are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; D. The actor violates paragraph B and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or E. The actor violates paragraph C and the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of the following: violating this section or [section 256] or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "indecent conduct",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_855",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disability",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's commercial sexual exploitation statute (17-A §855) makes it a Class C crime to give/agree to give a pecuniary benefit in return for an act of prostitution with a minor under 18 (¶1A) or with a person with a mental disability who cannot appraise the nature of the conduct (¶3A); the former subsection 1B was repealed by PL 2021, c. 447, §3.",
      "body": "Maine's commercial sexual exploitation statute (17-A §855) makes it a Class C crime to give/agree to give a pecuniary benefit in return for an act of prostitution with a minor under 18 (¶1A) or with a person with a mental disability who cannot appraise the nature of the conduct (¶3A); the former subsection 1B was repealed by PL 2021, c. 447, §3.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted has not in fact attained 18 years of age or the person knows or believes that the person being prostituted has not attained 18 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. 3. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a person with a mental disability if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the person with a mental disability substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or conduct involved. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.”\n\nNote: Both paragraphs carry Class C penalties. Subsection 1B was repealed (RP) by PL 2021, c. 447, §3; subsection 2 was repealed by PL 2005, c. 444, §1.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec855.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted has not in fact attained 18 years of age or the person knows or believes that the person being prostituted has not attained 18 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. 3. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a person with a mental disability if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the person with a mental disability substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or conduct involved. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disability",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal",
          "money.payout"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_partnered"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_251",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: sexual act/sexual contact definitions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's 17-A §251(C) defines 'sexual act' as any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other, and (D) defines 'sexual contact' as any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire.",
      "body": "Maine's 17-A §251(C) defines 'sexual act' as any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other, and (D) defines 'sexual contact' as any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“C. \"Sexual act\" means: (1) Any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; or D. \"Sexual contact\" means any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, other than as would constitute a sexual act, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact.”\n\nNote: These definitions are referenced by 17-A §851 (prostitution definition) and §854 (indecent conduct) in Chapter 35.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec251.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "C. \"Sexual act\" means: (1) Any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; or D. \"Sexual contact\" means any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, other than as would constitute a sexual act, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "sexual act/sexual contact definitions",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_17a_ch35_no_assignation",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine: solicitation / assignation check",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine's Title 17-A (Maine Criminal Code) has no statute titled 'solicitation' or 'assignation' in the prostitution chapter; a search of the Chapter 35 index (§§851-855) and each section's text confirms the offences are 'aggravated sex trafficking', 'sex trafficking', 'engaging person for prostitution', 'indecent conduct' and 'commercial sexual exploitation'.",
      "body": "Maine's Title 17-A (Maine Criminal Code) has no statute titled 'solicitation' or 'assignation' in the prostitution chapter; a search of the Chapter 35 index (§§851-855) and each section's text confirms the offences are 'aggravated sex trafficking', 'sex trafficking', 'engaging person for prostitution', 'indecent conduct' and 'commercial sexual exploitation'.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“[17-A §851. Definitions] [17-A §852. Aggravated sex trafficking] [17-A §853. Sex Trafficking] [17-A §853-A. Engaging in prostitution (REPEALED)] [17-A §853-B. Engaging person for prostitution] [17-A §854. Indecent conduct] [17-A §855. Commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disability]”\n\nNote: Record of an absence: no 'solicitation' or 'assignation' statute appears in Chapter 35's index; the index of sections is quoted in full as the evidence.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Ach35sec0.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "[17-A §851. Definitions] [17-A §852. Aggravated sex trafficking] [17-A §853. Sex Trafficking] [17-A §853-A. Engaging in prostitution (REPEALED)] [17-A §853-B. Engaging person for prostitution] [17-A §854. Indecent conduct] [17-A §855. Commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disability]",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine",
      "topic": "solicitation / assignation check",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "Maine (us-me)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "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_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_ch35",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A: chapter index",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Chapter 35 of Title 17-A of the Maine Revised Statutes is titled SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY and contains sections 851 through 855.",
      "body": "Chapter 35 of Title 17-A of the Maine Revised Statutes is titled SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY and contains sections 851 through 855.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“Title 17-A, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY”\n\nNote: Anchor record. The chapter heading is verbatim evidence from the official Maine Legislature statutes page.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Ach35sec0.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "Title 17-A, Chapter 35: SEX TRAFFICKING, PROSTITUTION AND PUBLIC INDECENCY",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A",
      "topic": "chapter index",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec851",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 851: definitions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 851 defines prostitution as engaging in, agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact in return for a pecuniary benefit; defines engaging a person for prostitution as providing or offering to provide pecuniary benefit in return for a sexual act or sexual contact; and defines promoting prostitution as causing or aiding another to commit prostitution, publicly soliciting patrons, providing persons, leasing a place for prostitution, operating a house of prostitution, transporting a person for prostitution, or accepting pecuniary benefit from the proceeds of prostitution.",
      "body": "Section 851 defines prostitution as engaging in, agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact in return for a pecuniary benefit; defines engaging a person for prostitution as providing or offering to provide pecuniary benefit in return for a sexual act or sexual contact; and defines promoting prostitution as causing or aiding another to commit prostitution, publicly soliciting patrons, providing persons, leasing a place for prostitution, operating a house of prostitution, transporting a person for prostitution, or accepting pecuniary benefit from the proceeds of prostitution.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“1. \"Prostitution\" means engaging in, or agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact, as those terms are defined in section 251, in return for a pecuniary benefit to be received by the person being prostituted or a 3rd person;”\n\nNote: Section 851 is the definitions section for Chapter 35. It references sexual act and sexual contact as defined in section 251. The offence turns on a pecuniary benefit (fee) plus a sexual act or sexual contact.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec851.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "1. \"Prostitution\" means engaging in, or agreeing to engage in, or offering to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact, as those terms are defined in section 251, in return for a pecuniary benefit to be received by the person being prostituted or a 3rd person;",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 851",
      "topic": "definitions",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "access.id"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_partnered"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec852",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 852: aggravated sex trafficking",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 852 makes it a Class B crime to knowingly promote prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in, or remain in prostitution; to promote prostitution of a person 15, 16, or 17 years of age; or to promote prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that renders them substantially incapable of appraising the conduct; and makes it a Class A crime to knowingly promote prostitution of a person 14 years of age or younger.",
      "body": "Section 852 makes it a Class B crime to knowingly promote prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in, or remain in prostitution; to promote prostitution of a person 15, 16, or 17 years of age; or to promote prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that renders them substantially incapable of appraising the conduct; and makes it a Class A crime to knowingly promote prostitution of a person 14 years of age or younger.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly: A. Promotes prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in or remain in prostitution; B. Promotes prostitution of a person 15, 16 or 17 years of age; or C. Promotes prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct involved. Violation of this subsection is a Class B crime.”\n\nNote: Violation of subsection 1 is a Class B crime; violation of subsection 1-A is a Class A crime. This section uses the definition of promote prostitution from section 851.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec852.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of aggravated sex trafficking if the person knowingly: A. Promotes prostitution by compelling a person to enter into, engage in or remain in prostitution; B. Promotes prostitution of a person 15, 16 or 17 years of age; or C. Promotes prostitution of a person who suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the other person substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct involved. Violation of this subsection is a Class B crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 852",
      "topic": "aggravated sex trafficking",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_partnered"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec853",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 853: sex trafficking",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 853 makes it a Class D crime to knowingly promote prostitution, and a Class C crime if the person has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of violations of this section, section 852, section 853-B, section 855, or attempts to commit any of these crimes; it provides an affirmative defense if the person was compelled as described in section 852 subsection 2, and a defense if the act consisted of the person publicly soliciting a patron only with the person.",
      "body": "Section 853 makes it a Class D crime to knowingly promote prostitution, and a Class C crime if the person has 2 or more prior convictions for any combination of violations of this section, section 852, section 853-B, section 855, or attempts to commit any of these crimes; it provides an affirmative defense if the person was compelled as described in section 852 subsection 2, and a defense if the act consisted of the person publicly soliciting a patron only with the person.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of sex trafficking if: A. The person knowingly promotes prostitution. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or B. The person violates paragraph A and has 2 or more prior convictions in this State for any combination of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. The Maine offenses are any violation of this section or section 852, 853-B or 855 or attempts to commit any of these crimes. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.”\n\nNote: Section 853 defines sex trafficking as knowingly promoting prostitution (per section 851 definition). Prior convictions elevate from Class D to Class C.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec853.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of sex trafficking if: A. The person knowingly promotes prostitution. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; or B. The person violates paragraph A and has 2 or more prior convictions in this State for any combination of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that of the Maine offenses listed in this paragraph in another jurisdiction. The Maine offenses are any violation of this section or section 852, 853-B or 855 or attempts to commit any of these crimes. Section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 853",
      "topic": "sex trafficking",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_partnered"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec853_a",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 853-A: engaging in prostitution",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 853-A, Engaging in prostitution, is repealed (PL 2023, c. 316, §8 (RP)).",
      "body": "Section 853-A, Engaging in prostitution, is repealed (PL 2023, c. 316, §8 (RP)).\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“(REPEALED)”\n\nNote: Section 853-A is marked as REPEALED. It previously criminalized engaging in prostitution but was repealed by PL 2023, c. 316, §8.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec853-A.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "(REPEALED)",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 853-A",
      "topic": "engaging in prostitution",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_partnered"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "placeholder_quote_too_short",
          "strong_label_on_weak_content"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec853_b",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 853-B: engaging person for prostitution",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 853-B makes it a Class E crime to engage a person for prostitution as defined in section 851 subsection 1-A (providing or offering pecuniary benefit in return for a sexual act or sexual contact), and a Class D crime if the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction, with the prior conviction date not preceding the offense by more than 2 years.",
      "body": "Section 853-B makes it a Class E crime to engage a person for prostitution as defined in section 851 subsection 1-A (providing or offering pecuniary benefit in return for a sexual act or sexual contact), and a Class D crime if the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction, with the prior conviction date not preceding the offense by more than 2 years.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of engaging a person for prostitution if: A. The person engages a person for prostitution within the meaning of section 851, subsection 1‑A. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or B. The person violates paragraph A and, at the time of the offense, the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. Section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence, except that, for the purposes of this section, the date of the prior conviction may not precede the commission of the offense by more than 2 years. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.”\n\nNote: Section 853-B criminalizes the customer side (engaging a person for prostitution), unlike the repealed section 853-A which criminalized the person being prostituted.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec853-B.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of engaging a person for prostitution if: A. The person engages a person for prostitution within the meaning of section 851, subsection 1‑A. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or B. The person violates paragraph A and, at the time of the offense, the person has one or more prior convictions under this section or for engaging in substantially similar conduct to that contained in this section in another jurisdiction. Section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence, except that, for the purposes of this section, the date of the prior conviction may not precede the commission of the offense by more than 2 years. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 853-B",
      "topic": "engaging person for prostitution",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_partnered"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec854",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 854: indecent conduct",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 854 makes it a Class E crime to engage in a sexual act in a public place, knowingly expose genitals in a public place under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm, expose genitals in a private place with intent to be seen from a public place or another private place, or expose genitals in a private place with intent to be seen by another person under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm; these become Class D crimes with 2 or more prior convictions; public place includes motor vehicles on a public way.",
      "body": "Section 854 makes it a Class E crime to engage in a sexual act in a public place, knowingly expose genitals in a public place under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm, expose genitals in a private place with intent to be seen from a public place or another private place, or expose genitals in a private place with intent to be seen by another person under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm; these become Class D crimes with 2 or more prior convictions; public place includes motor vehicles on a public way.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of indecent conduct if: A. In a public place: (1) The actor engages in a sexual act, as defined in section 251. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; (2) The actor knowingly exposes the actor's genitals under circumstances that in fact are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; B. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen from a public place or from another private place. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; C. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen by another person in that private place under circumstances that the actor knows are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; 2. For purposes of this section \"public place\" includes, but is not limited to, motor vehicles that are on a public way.”\n\nNote: Section 854 is about public indecency, not prostitution per se. It references sexual act as defined in section 251. Public place includes motor vehicles on a public way.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec854.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of indecent conduct if: A. In a public place: (1) The actor engages in a sexual act, as defined in section 251. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; (2) The actor knowingly exposes the actor's genitals under circumstances that in fact are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class E crime; B. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen from a public place or from another private place. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; C. In a private place, the actor exposes the actor's genitals with the intent that the actor be seen by another person in that private place under circumstances that the actor knows are likely to cause affront or alarm. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; 2. For purposes of this section \"public place\" includes, but is not limited to, motor vehicles that are on a public way.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 854",
      "topic": "indecent conduct",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.privacy"
        ],
        "explicitness": "topless"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec855",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 855: commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disability",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 855 makes it a Class C crime to, in return for an act of prostitution, give, offer to give, or agree to give a pecuniary benefit to the person being prostituted or a 3rd person when the person being prostituted has not attained 18 years of age (or the person knows or believes they have not attained 18), or when the person being prostituted suffers from a mental disability that renders them substantially incapable of appraising the conduct.",
      "body": "Section 855 makes it a Class C crime to, in return for an act of prostitution, give, offer to give, or agree to give a pecuniary benefit to the person being prostituted or a 3rd person when the person being prostituted has not attained 18 years of age (or the person knows or believes they have not attained 18), or when the person being prostituted suffers from a mental disability that renders them substantially incapable of appraising the conduct.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“1. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted has not in fact attained 18 years of age or the person knows or believes that the person being prostituted has not attained 18 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. 3. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a person with a mental disability if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the person with a mental disability substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or conduct involved. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.”\n\nNote: Section 855 criminalizes purchasing sexual services from a minor (under 18) or a person with a mental disability. Class C crime.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec855.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "1. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted has not in fact attained 18 years of age or the person knows or believes that the person being prostituted has not attained 18 years of age. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime. 3. A person is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a person with a mental disability if: A. The person, in return for an act of prostitution, gives, offers to give or agrees to give a pecuniary benefit either to the person being prostituted or to a 3rd person and the person being prostituted suffers from a mental disability that is reasonably apparent or known to the actor and that in fact renders the person with a mental disability substantially incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or conduct involved. Violation of this paragraph is a Class C crime.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 855",
      "topic": "commercial sexual exploitation of minor or person with mental disability",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_partnered"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r401_maine_prostitution_statute_every_section_me_revstat_title17a_sec251",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 251: sexual act and sexual contact definitions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 251 defines sexual act as (1) any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; (2) any act between a person and an animal being used by another person which act involves direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals and the genitals of the other; or (3) any act involving direct physical contact between the genitals or anus of one and an instrument or device manipulated by another person when that act is done for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact. Sexual contact means any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, other than as would constitute a sexual act, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact.",
      "body": "Section 251 defines sexual act as (1) any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; (2) any act between a person and an animal being used by another person which act involves direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals and the genitals of the other; or (3) any act involving direct physical contact between the genitals or anus of one and an instrument or device manipulated by another person when that act is done for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact. Sexual contact means any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, other than as would constitute a sexual act, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact.\n\nWhat Maine State Legislature actually says:\n\n“C. \"Sexual act\" means: (1) Any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; (2) Any act between a person and an animal being used by another person which act involves direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; or (3) Any act involving direct physical contact between the genitals or anus of one and an instrument or device manipulated by another person when that act is done for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact. A sexual act may be proved without allegation or proof of penetration.\n\nD. \"Sexual contact\" means any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact.”",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec251.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-15",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Maine State Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "C. \"Sexual act\" means: (1) Any act between 2 persons involving direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; (2) Any act between a person and an animal being used by another person which act involves direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the mouth or anus of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other; or (3) Any act involving direct physical contact between the genitals or anus of one and an instrument or device manipulated by another person when that act is done for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact. A sexual act may be proved without allegation or proof of penetration.\n\nD. \"Sexual contact\" means any touching of the genitals or anus, directly or through clothing, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire or for the purpose of causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "401-maine-prostitution-statute-every-section",
      "subject": "Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Section 251",
      "topic": "sexual act and sexual contact definitions",
      "applies_to_country": "us-me",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-me"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "access.id"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "hollow_body",
          "strong_label_on_weak_content"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}