A person will be charged with patronizing a prostitute if they engage in sexual acts (or enter a place with this intent) with a prostitute. This crime is a petty offense in Colorado, but additional penalties can be added if one person is infected with AIDS.
Definition of Patronizing a Prostitute in Jefferson County
C.R.S. 18-7-205 – Patronizing a Prostitute:
(1) Any person who performs any of the following with a person not his spouse commits patronizing a prostitute:
(a) Engages in an act of sexual intercourse or of deviate sexual conduct with a prostitute; or
(b) Enters or remains in a place of prostitution with intent to engage in an act of sexual intercourse or deviate sexual conduct.
(2) Patronizing a prostitute is a petty offense. A person who is convicted of patronizing a prostitute may be required to pay a fine of not more than five thousand dollars in addition to any penalty imposed by the court pursuant to section 18-1.3-401 or 18-1.3-503, 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.
Douglas County Penalties for Patronizing a Prostitute
As stated in the definition above, patronizing a prostitute is a petty offense. If caught, you will be facing up to 10 days in the Douglas County Jail, a fine of up to $300, as well as an ADDITIONAL finebup to $5,000. This additional fine goes towards the prostitution enforcement cash fund.
Is Patronizing a Prostitute a Sex Offense in Adams County?
Patronizing a prostitute is not considered a sex offense in Colorado, so you are not required to register as a sex offender or undergo sex offender treatment. However, if the prostitute is a minor (person under the age of 18) it will be considered a sex offense.
Patronizing a prostituted child is a serious sex offense and is subject to indeterminate sentencing in Adams County. This means that while the crime has a minimum sentence of 4 years as a class 3 felony, there is no maximum, or guarantee that you will ever be released if convicted. You could spend the rest of your life in prison while awaiting Sex Offender Treatment, a program which is understaffed and underfunded.
If either of the people involved are knowingly infected with AIDS and they still engage in sex, they will be facing indeterminate sentencing.
Prostitution Stings in Denver, Colorado
We often see cases or hear stories about prostitution stings in Denver, Colorado. Police will pretend to be a prostitute or underage prostitute, setting up online ads for escort services. When the man arrives with the intent to pay someone for sex, police will cite him, and even charge him with patronizing a prostitute depending on the circumstances. Entrapment is a valid defense in scenarios like this.
Arapahoe County Lawyer for Patronizing a Prostitute Charges
If you are facing charges for patronizing a prostitute in Arapahoe County, or anywhere in Colorado, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting your case. Whatever the situation, make sure to exercise your right to remain silent, and politely decline speaking with police. Instead, contact the experienced prostitution 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.