Facilitating prostitution is often charged as Pandering in Denver, Aurora, and Castle Rock and basically means that you are behind the scenes making sure that others are able to practice prostitution. The founder of backpage.com is currently facing these charges after receiving many warnings about allowing those practicing prostitution to advertise on the site. We know firsthand, as many of our prostitution clients are caught via sting operations that law enforcement has repeatedly used backpage, knowing that the site is often used to arrange for prostitution meetups. These advertisements were financially profitable for the founder, though, bringing in half a billion dollars for him. He is also accused of money laundering. 

Adams County Pandering Attorney: Definition of Pandering in Jefferson County 

The Adams and Jefferson County, Colorado law definition of Pandering – C.R.S. 18-7-203 – is: 

(1) Any person who does any of the following for money or other thing of value commits pandering:  

(a)  Inducing a person by menacing or criminal intimidation to commit prostitution; or 

(b)  Knowingly arranging or offering to arrange a situation in which a person may practice prostitution.

Because the man was running a site that he knew was being used to advertise for prostitution – basically knowingly arranging the prostitution meetups – and making money off of it, he is charged with this crime. Pandering closely resembles the criminal charge of Pimping. The only difference is with Pimping, the accused must live off of or be fully financially supported through prostitution.  

Sentence for Backpage Pandering in Douglas and Arapahoe County 

In Arapahoe and Douglas County, Pandering can be a felony or misdemeanor. If charged under subsection (a), then it is a class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and fines of $5,000 to $10,000. A charge under subsection (b) is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in the Arapahoe County Jail and fines of $5,000 to $10,000. The difference is that force or threats are used in the felony Pandering charge, whereas nothing threatening or violent is a part of the misdemeanor one. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with Pandering, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880 to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

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