Section 22-2706 - Compelling an individual to live life of prostitution against his or her will(a) It is unlawful for any person, within the District of Columbia, by threats or duress, to detain any individual against such individual's will, for the purpose of prostitution or a sexual act or sexual contact, or to compel any individual against such individual's will, to reside with him or her or with any other person for the purposes of prostitution or a sexual act or sexual contact.(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or by a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or both.(2) A person who violates subsection (a) of the section when the individual so detained or compelled is under the age of 18 years shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or by a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or both.June 25, 1910, 36 Stat. 833, ch. 404, § 2; Jan. 3, 1941, 54 Stat. 1225, ch. 936, § 2; May 21, 1994, D.C. Law 10-119, § 12(b), 41 DCR 1639; Apr. 24, 2007, D.C. Law 16-306, § 214(b), 53 DCR 8610; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 229(b), 60 DCR 2064.Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
Armed offenses, additional penalty for committing a crime when armed, see §§ 22-4501 and 22-4502. .