Pandering charges will be made against you if you induce another person (using intimidation or menacing) or knowingly arrange a situation for a person to commit prostitution. This means that if you arrange for a prostitute to have sex with your buddy and the prostitute ended up being an undercover Denver Police Officer, your friend would be facing charges of patronizing a prostitute (C.R.S. 18-7-205) and you will be facing similar penalties under charges of pandering (C.R.S. 18-7-203).
Prostitution crimes in Denver, Colorado can have a severe impact on your future, so an experienced sex crimes attorney who knows Colorado's prostitution laws inside and out is a must in order to put forward your best possible defense.
Definition of Pandering in Jefferson County
C.R.S. 18-7-203 – 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. (2) (a) Pandering under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section is a class 5 felony. A person who is convicted of pandering under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section shall be required to pay a fine of not less than five thousand dollars and not more than ten thousand dollars in addition to any penalty imposed by the court pursuant to section 18-1.3-401, which additional fine shall be transferred to the state treasurer, who shall transfer the same to the prostitution enforcement cash fund created in section 24-33.5-513, C.R.S. (b) Pandering under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section is a class 3 misdemeanor. A person who is convicted of pandering under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section shall be required to pay a fine of not less than five thousand dollars and not more than ten thousand dollars in addition to any penalty imposed by the court pursuant to section 18-1.3-501, which additional fine shall be transferred to the state treasurer, who shall transfer the same to the prostitution enforcement cash fund created in section 24-33.5-513, C.R.S.
What is the Penalty for Pandering in Arapahoe County?
As detailed in the definition above, if you are found guilty of knowingly arranging or offering to arrange a situation in which a person may practice prostitution, you will be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor. The penalty for this can mean 120 days in county jail and a maximum fine of $10,750.
If you are convicted of inducing a person by menacing or criminal intimidation to commit prostitution, the crime becomes a class 5 felony. The penalty in this case will involve 1-3 years in prison, a fine between $1,000 – $100,000, and an ADDITIONAL fine between $5,000 – $10,000.
Douglas County Pandering Charges – Beyond the Penalties Issued in Court
If a class 2 misdemeanor is considered the “least serious” misdemeanor, it is not to be taken lightly. Besides 4 months in jail and/or a large fine, pandering can be an embarrassing and damaging charge. Potential employers who see pandering on you criminal record are going to be biased and think twice before hiring you. A landlord who runs a criminal background check is more likely to be skeptical of you and deny your housing application in favor of someone with a clean record.
Adams County Lawyer for Pandering Charges
If you are facing charges for pandering in Adams County, or anywhere in Colorado, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting your case. If you were charged as a result of a police sting, entrapment can be a valid defense option. Whatever the situation, make sure to exercise your right to remain silent, and politely decline speaking with police. Instead, contact the experienced pandering lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group today to set up a jail visit or to schedule a free initial consultation. Call us at 303-830-0880. Don't talk to police about prostitution crimes - talk to us.