In Colorado, it’s illegal to engage in, solicit, patronize, or profit off a prostitute. The penalties for committing these acts are life-changing and could result expensive court fines and even time in jail or prison. Plus, most prostitution-related arrests derive from a law enforcement sting operation. This means law enforcement may have illegally invaded your privacy to secure the necessary evidence to arrest you. Thankfully, you can fight back against these allegations and improper police procedures by securing experienced and effective legal representation.
Don’t wait until the last second to start building your defense. If you’ve been charged with prostitution, solicitation, or pimping, it’s imperative you find legal counsel as soon as possible. A skilled attorney will examine the details of your methodically, so they can poke holes in the prosecution’s arguments. Your attorney can also bring on reputable witnesses and well-renowned experts to support their points with even more irrefutable evidence. Get started on charting out your defense plan today by getting in touch with the attorneys at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC.
Colorado Springs Prostitution Attorney in CO
Certain crimes such as prostitution carry not only heavy penalties, but a negative social stigma. Many convicted offenders lose not only their freedom but face collateral social and career consequences on top of their already restrictive penalties. With so much to lose, it’s important you secure effective and efficient legal representation if you’ve been arrested for a prostitution-related offense.
Find counsel that you can trust with Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC. The attorneys at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC have decades of experience defending clients from sex crimes such as pimping or solicitation. They not only have skills to take on any case no matter how serious, but the attorneys at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC are passionate about helping their clients in any way we can. That includes extending compassion and understanding when it feels like the whole world has turned against you.
To set up your first consultation contact Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC at (719) 328-1616. We will sit with you and discuss your legal options in further detail. Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC accepts clients throughout the Colorado Springs and El Paso County area. However, they do accept clients in other counties including Pueblo County, Fremont County, Teller County, Douglas County, Elbert County, Lincoln County, and Crowley County.
Overview of Prostitution Charges in CO
- Is Prostitution Illegal in Colorado?
- Penalties for Pimping a Prostitute in Colorado
- What Are the Penalties for Keeping a Place of Prostitution?
- Additional Resources
Is Prostitution Illegal in Colorado?
Colorado law forbids anyone from engaging in any type of prostitution. Under the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Section 18-7-201, it states a person is engaging in prostitution if they perform, offer, or agree to perform any sexual intercourse, fellatio, cunnilingus, masturbation, or anal intercourse with any person in exchange for money or something of value.
Prostitution is a class 3 misdemeanor which is punishable by:
- Up to six months in jail; and
- A fine between $50 and $750
Sex workers aren’t the only ones that will get penalized for engaging in prostitution. Soliciting a prostitute is also illegal in Colorado. A person is guilty of committing solicitation if they:
- Arrange or offer to arrange a meeting of persons for the purpose of prostitution; or
- Direct another person to a place for the sole purpose of soliciting a prostitute; or
- Soliciting another person to engage in prostitution
It’s also a class 3 misdemeanor to solicit a prostitute in Colorado. In addition to the normal statutory penalizes, “Johns” may be required to pay a fine of not more than $5,000.
Johns who are caught paying for prostitution services are charged with patronizing a prostitute. Under C.R.S. 18-7-205, it states a person a is patronizing a prostitute if:
- They engage in an act of sexual intercourse or of deviate sexual conduct with a prostitute; or
- Enter or remain in a place of prostitute with the intent to engage in an act of sexual intercourse or deviant sexual conduct
The penalties for patronizing a prostitute are not as light as simple solicitation. Johns who patronize a prostitute can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in:
- Up to 18 months in jail; and
- A fine between $500 and $5,000
Penalties for Pimping Prostitutes in Colorado
Those engaged in illegal sex work face minor consequences in comparison to those who run prostitution scheme. C.R.S. establishes that any person who knowingly lives on or is supported or maintained in whole or part by money, or other thing of value earned, received, procured, or realized by any other person through prostitution is guilty of pimping.
In Colorado, a conviction for pimping could result in a class 3 felony. The maximum penalties for a class 3 felony includes:
- A prison sentence of up to 12 years; and
- A possible court fine of up to $750,000
Pimps who seek out new prostitutes or use intimidation to induce a person into prostitution may be charged with pandering. C.R.S. defines pandering as doing any of the following actions for money or something else of value.
- Induce a person to commit prostitution by menacing or criminal intimidation; or
- Intentionally arrange or offer to arrange a situation in which a person may practice prostitution
Pandering by means of intimidation is a class 5 felony, which is punishable by:
- Up to 3 years in prison; and
- A fine of up to $100,000
Using menacing behavior or criminal intimidation to force someone into prostitution will mean a possible additional fine of up to $10,000.
Arranging or offering to arrange a prostitution scheme with someone is a class 3 misdemeanor. If convicted, the offender may face up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $750. The court may also impose an additional fine between $5,000 and $10,000 on top of the standard penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Keeping a Place of Prostitution?
Property owners or managers who use their estate for prostitution services could be charged with keeping a place of prostitution. Colorado law states if a person has or exercises control over the use of any place which offers seclusion or shelter for the practice of prostitution and does one of the following, could face criminal charges.
- Intentionally allows their property to be used for prostitution services; or
- Permits the continued use of such place for the purpose of prostitution after they were informed or should reasonable know what’s happening on their property
Keeping a place of prostitution is a class 2 misdemeanor, which can result in:
- A jail term of up to 365 days; and
- A fine between $250 and $1,000
Additional Resources
RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest Support Network – Many people charged with prostitution are simply struggling or have been manipulated into the crime. Visit the official website for the RAINN to learn more about their services for those struggling with sexual abuse. Access the site to find support, read survivor stories, and access their sexual assault hotline.
Prostitution Laws in Colorado – Visit the official website for the Colorado Revised Statutes to learn more about their prostitution laws. Access the site to view the elements of each crime, their associated penalties, and immunity for prostitutes who are victims of human trafficking.
Prostitution Defense Attorney in Colorado Springs, CO
The state of Colorado does not take prostitution charges lightly and many offenders who are convicted end up facing years in jail or prison. Don’t be idle when your future is on the line and instead get in contact with the prostitution-related attorneys at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC. We have years of experience defending clients with all types of sex crimes. Our team can design an impenetrable defense for you utilizing our years of practice and extensive resources.
Get in touch with Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC at (719) 328-1616 and set up your first consultation. During the appointment, one of our attorneys will sit with you and unveil all your available legal options. Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC accepts clients throughout the Colorado Springs area including Monumnet, Fountain, Peyton, Colorado Springs and Falcon.