Prostitution & Solicitation
While all sex crimes do not have the same level of perversion, any type of conviction for a sex crime can leave a dark stain on your criminal record. If you are being investigated or have already been arrested for any type of crime related to prostitution, pimping, or solicitation of a prostitute, it’s within your best interest to obtain an experienced defense attorney.
It is crucial that you appoint a lawyer to your case as early on as possible as Colorado’s sex crime laws are some of the toughest in the country. Many offenders convicted of sex crimes, even minor misdemeanor sex crimes, must register as a sex offender. They are then forced to announce to their community their sex offender status for years and in some cases life.
Denver Prostitution Defense Attorney, CO
If you’re in need of legal counsel, get in contact with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. Colorado sex crimes attorney Matthew Martin understands the complex laws governing cases of this nature. He knows the kinds of evidence authorities will gather; he understands how they will present it in court; he can develop strategies to counter the case they build and therefore lessen the consequences you might face.
Whether you are under investigation or have already been arrested, please call now. The faster you retain a lawyer, the better off your case will be. We also offer case financing to those who qualify. Call (303) 725-0017 to set up your first consultation today. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Denver area and surrounding counties including Adams County, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Broomfield County, and Boulder County.
Information Center:
Is Prostitution Legal in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, it’s prohibited to engage in any type of prostitution. The definition for prostitution, under Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) Section 18-7-201, states a person is engaging in prostitution if they offer, perform or agree to sexual intercourse or any other sexual contact for money or something of value.
While engaging in unlawful sex work is illegal, so is soliciting it. “Johns” who attempt to purchase services from a prostitute can also face criminal charges for violating CRS. The law states you’re guilty of solicitation if you do one of the following:
- Arrange or offer to arrange a meeting intending to engage in prostitution
- Point another person to a place with the intent to engage in prostitution
- Soliciting another person to engage in an act of prostitution
A first-time offense for prostitution or solicitation is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail as well as a fine of up to $750. However, “Johns” will be required to pay a fine no more than $5,000.
The penalties for “Johns” increase if they actually are caught paying for services from a prostitute. The Colorado Statutes state a person is patronizing a prostitute if they engaged in sexual intercourse or deviant sexual conduct or if they entered/remained in place with the intent to engage in said sexual acts with a prostitute.
Patronizing a prostitute is a class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Pimping and Pandering Penalties Under Colorado Law
Although law enforcement will not hesitate to arrest prostitutes and “Johns,” the life-changing charges are saved for those who run prostitution schemes. Colorado law defines pimping as any person who knowingly lives on, supported by, earned, procured, or received something of value through prostitution. Pimping under Colorado law is a class 3 felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000.
If the court has evidence you were seeking out new prostitutes or used intimidation to induce someone else into prostitution, then you could be charged with pandering. The crime of pandering is defined as a person who induces another into prostitution by menacing or criminal intimidation. It can also include arranging or offering to arrange a situation where the other person would eventually practice prostitution.
Pandering is a class 5 felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If menacing behavior or criminal intimidation is used, then the court will add an additional $10,000 on top of the penalties previously mentioned.
Making arrangements for a prostitution scheme or offering to make arrangements is a class 3 misdemeanor. The maximum sentence includes up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $750.
Additional Resources
RAINN | Anti-Sexual Violence Hotline– Often those facing prosecution charges were put in the situation through the means of sexual violence. Visit the official website for the RAINN to learn more about how they help survivors of sexual abuse. Access the site to find survivor stories, statistics for sexual violence, and their hotline.
Prostitution & Solicitation Laws in Colorado – Visit the official website for the Colorado Revised Statutes to learn more about prostitution and other sexually motivated crimes. Access the site to view the penalties each crime, their admissible defenses, and immunity for prostitutes who are victims of human trafficking.
Prostituion Denver Defense Lawyer
Are you facing prostitution or solicitation charges and have no idea how to handle it? Call Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. to learn your legal options and get started on your defense. As a prostitution attorney, attorney Matthew Martin has been defending both ‘Johns’ and prostitutes for many years. He can assist you in any way possible by developing an effective and efficient defense plan.
Call (303) 725-0017 for your first consultation free.