Criminal Jury Instructions Home

7.3-7  Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree -- § 53a-88

Revised to December 1, 2007

The defendant is charged [in count __] with promoting prostitution in the third degree.  The statute defining this offense reads in pertinent part as follows: 

a person is guilty of promoting prostitution in the third degree when (he/she) knowingly (advances / profits from) prostitution.

For you to find the defendant guilty of this charge, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly (advanced / profited from) prostitution.  A person acts "knowingly" with respect to conduct or to a circumstance when (he/she) is aware that (his/her) conduct is of such nature or that such circumstance exists.  <See Knowledge, Instruction 2.3-3.>

<Insert one of the following:>

• A person "advances prostitution" when, acting other than as a prostitute or as a patron thereof, (he/she) knowingly causes or aids a person to commit or engage in prostitution, procures or solicits patrons for prostitution, provides persons or premises for prostitution purposes, operates or assists in the operation of a house of prostitution or a prostitution enterprise, or engages in any other conduct designed to institute, aid or facilitate an act or enterprise of prostitution.

• A person "profits from prostitution" when, acting other than as a prostitute receiving compensation for personally rendered prostitution services, (he/she) accepts or receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any person whereby (he/she) participates or is to participate in the proceeds of prostitution activity. 

Conclusion

In summary, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (advanced / profited from) prostitution. 

If you unanimously find that the state has proved beyond a reasonable doubt each of the elements of the crime of promoting prostitution in the third degree, then you shall find the defendant guilty.  On the other hand, if you unanimously find that the state has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt any of the elements, you shall then find the defendant not guilty.