State law does not actually contain a separate definition of “solicitation.” Instead, South Carolina Code 16-15-90 includes the solicitation of a prostitute under its prostitution laws. These charges include: procuring or soliciting prostitution; knowingly aiding or abetting prostitution; receiving a person into any place for prostitution; taking a person into a vehicle for the purposes of prostitution; entering into or residing in a place of prostitution.
While any of these acts may lead to a prostitution charge, procuring or soliciting a prostitution is the act that many commonly refer to as solicitation.
Importantly, a person does not have to complete the transaction in order to be charged with solicitation. A request for someone to engage in or procure prostitution for themselves or others is sufficient for the charge. Solicitation is incredibly common in undercover busts where no sexual acts ever occur.