Whenever the police conduct a prostitution sting operation in Denver, Adams, or Jefferson County, people are charged with crimes they don't know much about. In today's blog, we're going to take a closer look at Pimping and Pandering – both crimes in Colorado.

What is Pimping in Colorado?

Pimping – C.R.S. 18-7-206, is charged in Arapahoe, El Paso, and Douglas County when:

“Any person who knowingly lives on or is supported or maintained in whole or in part by money or other thing of value earned, received, procured, or realized by any other person through prostitution.”

Put simply, if a person lives on money which is earned by another person through prostitution, they will be charged with Pimping. This crime is commonly charged whenever a person:

• Operates a prostitution business, and lives on the income which is earned.
• Receives payment from a prostitute, who earned the money by practicing prostitution.

Pimping is a class 3 felony in the state of Colorado, which could result in possible prison time and up to $750,000 in fines. This is why you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer fighting on your behalf if you have been charged.

What is Pandering in Colorado?

Pandering – C.R.S. 18-7-203, is charged whenever a person “does any of the following for money” or anything of value:

• Induces a person “by menacing or…intimidation to commit prostitution.”
• Knowingly arranges or offers to arrange a “situation in which a person may practice prostitution.”

While this law sounds simple, it is charged in many different situations. For example, a person can be charged with Pandering for:

• Offering to get a friend a prostitute
• Gathering people together for a party where there will be prostitution
• Giving directions to someone for a location for the purpose of prostitution

The sentence for a Pandering conviction ranges anywhere from a class 3 misdemeanor up to a class 5 felony. If the District Attorney can prove a person used intimidation or menacing to get another person to commit the crime of Prostitution in Aurora, Castle Rock, or Parker, they will be charged with the class 5 felony, which results in a possible prison sentence of up to 3 years, and fine of up to $100,000. If the DA proves a person arranged for an act of prostitution, they will be convicted of the class 3 misdemeanor Pandering, which results in a possible county jail sentence of up to 6 months, and up to a $750 fine.

Pimping and Pandering Charges: Why You Need a Lawyer

Pimping and Pandering are both sex offenses, which means you will be required to register as a sex offender, and the general public will look at you in a negative light. Don't put your future in the hands of an inexperienced public defender, or ignore the charges. Instead, hire a passionate criminal defense attorney to fight on your behalf and work to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Pimping or Pandering in Colorado, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.