Costa Rica — Legal Help

The emergency number is 911 nationwide. Selling sex is legal for adults 18+, but pimping, brothel-keeping, and profiting from another person's sex work are crimes (Penal Code arts. 169–172). Law 7899 (1999) on sexual exploitation of minors and Law 9406 (2017, 'relaciones impropias') criminalize sexual contact between adults and minors, and paying anyone under 18 is a serious felony that Costa Rica actively prosecutes, including against foreign tourists — the practical line for a visitor is 18, and ID checks are on you. If arrested, serious matters go to the OIJ (judicial police); give identification and nothing else until you have a lawyer.

Embassies will visit you in detention, supply lists of English-speaking lawyers, and notify family, but cannot post bail or intervene in the case. Never pay a 'fine' in cash to street police — insist on a written citation.