If you have been a Colorado resident for an extended period of time in counties like Denver, Jefferson, or Arapahoe County, you will probably understand any reference someone might make to the night life on Colfax Avenue. The east side of Colfax Ave. is known for being a common connection point for prostitution, a reputation which has made its way into popular media like the television show South Park. Despite being illegal in Colorado, this crime continues to occur.
Prostitution is defined as “any person who performs or offers or agrees to perform any act of sexual intercourse, fellatio, cunnilingus, masturbation, or anal intercourse with any person not his spouse in exchange for money or other thing of value” (C.R.S. 18-7-201). In all Colorado counties, such as Adams, Douglas, or Broomfield County, this crime is charged as a class 3 misdemeanor. Also, if a person is convicted of prostitution, they are required, by law, to pay for themselves to get tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A prostitute who has knowledge of being infected with HIV and continues to prostitute, can be charged with a class 5 felony (C.R.S. 18-7-201.7).
It is also a class 5 felony to commit Pandering (C.R.S. 18-7-203). Any person who does any of the following for money or other thing of value commits pandering:
*Inducing a person by menacing or criminal intimidation to commit prostitution
*Knowingly arranging or offering to arrange a situation in which a person may practice prostitution.
It’s not only the prostitutes themselves or those who commit pandering who can be charged with a crime, but also those who patronize a prostitute. Those who engage in an act of sexual intercourse or of deviate sexual conduct, or enter or remain in a place or prostitution with the intent to engage in an act of sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct, are guilty of patronizing. They can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor and may be required to pay a fine up to $5,000 (C.R.S. 18-7-205).
Soliciting for Prostitution is also a class 3 misdemeanor. This can be considered as arranging or offering to arrange a meeting of persons for the purpose of prostitution, or even just directing another person to a place knowing such direction is for this illegal purpose (C.R.S. 18-7-202).
Perhaps you are being charged with one of the above crimes. Regardless of whether or not you knew about the punishments that Colorado law has for prostitution, you need an experienced lawyer to represent you. Call us today at the O’Malley Law Office at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.