Prostitution; violations

(A) For the purposes of this section "prostitution" means the practice or instance of engaging in sexual activity for money or any other thing of value. (B) It is unlawful for a person to solicit, induce, entice, or offer money or anything of value to a prostituted person for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. (C) A person who violates this section must be punished as follows: (1) for a first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined at least two thousand dollars and imprisoned for a period of not more than two years; (2) for a second offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined at least three thousand dollars and imprisoned for a period of not more than three years; or (3) for a third or subsequent offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined at least five thousand dollars with a maximum fine of up to ten thousand dollars and imprisoned for a period of not more than five years. (D) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 22-3-540, 22-3-545, and 22-3-550, a violation of this section must be tried in magistrates court.