Penalties for Prostitution Offenses in Colorado

The penalties for prostitution offenses vary widely and depend on whether the prostituted person was older or younger than 18. Penalties for pimping, pandering, or patronizing are much more severe in situations involving a minor. 

Below are the penalties for prostitution and some of the related offenses:

• Prostitution itself is a petty offense that can result in a $300 fine and 10 days in jail. Minors who were prostituted will never face penalties. 

• Pimping is a felony offense that can result in fines of up to $750,000 and 4 to 12 years in prison, regardless of the age of the person being prostituted. 

• Pandering is a misdemeanor offense that can lead to fines of up to $750 and 120 days in jail. If, however, a person uses violence or the threat of violence to pander, they can face felony charges that come with up to $100,000 in fines and 3 years in prison. 

As mentioned above, when a minor is involved in any prostitution offense, the penalties are far greater. Soliciting or patronizing a minor for prostitution is a felony that can result in up to $750,000 in fines and 4 to 12 years in prison. It is a felony offense to pander a minor for prostitution. Being convicted of this crime could lead to anywhere between 4 and 24 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000. Those who have been convicted of prostitution offenses involving a minor must register with the state’s sex offender registry. 

Protection for Sex Workers and Victims of Human Trafficking

Colorado provides legal protections for sex workers or victims of human trafficking in prostitution cases. 

These protections are as follows: 

• Individuals who can prove that they were victims of human trafficking can be exonerated of prostitution charges. This is what is called an “affirmative defense.”

• Sex workers who have been victims of violent crimes can seek the help of medical professionals and police without fear of arrest or prosecution. State law offers people immunity in these situations.