Arrested or Charged with Pimping (C.R.S. § 18-7-206) in Colorado?

If you’ve been arrested or charged with pimping in Colorado, you’re facing one of the most serious felony charges in the state’s criminal code. Despite common misconceptions about what constitutes “pimping,” Colorado law defines it more broadly than many realize—and the penalties are severe, including substantial prison time and steep fines that can permanently alter your life.

At Dawson Law Office in Boulder, we understand the gravity of these charges and the stigma that comes with them. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

What Is Pimping Under Colorado Law?

Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-7-206, pimping is defined as:

“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 commits pimping, which is a class 3 felony.”

In simpler terms, you can be charged with pimping if you knowingly receive financial support from someone else’s prostitution activities, even if:

• You only received a small amount of money
• The prostitution was a one-time occurrence
• You did not force or coerce anyone to engage in prostitution
• You had no role in arranging or facilitating the prostitution

This broad definition means many people find themselves facing pimping charges in situations they never expected would violate the law.

Pimping vs. Pandering: Understanding the Difference

Many people confuse pimping with pandering, but Colorado law treats these as distinct offenses:

Pimping (C.R.S. § 18-7-206)

• Knowingly living off the earnings of a prostitute
• No requirement that you managed or induced the prostitution
• Class 3 felony with severe penalties

Pandering (C.R.S. § 18-7-203)

• Inducing someone into prostitution through intimidation or menacing
• Arranging or offering to arrange a situation for prostitution
• Usually a Class 2 misdemeanor, but becomes a Class 5 felony if intimidation is involved

It’s not uncommon for defendants to face charges for both pimping and pandering simultaneously, compounding the legal risk.

Penalties for Pimping in Colorado

As a Class 3 felony, pimping carries some of the harshest penalties in Colorado’s criminal code:

• Prison sentence: 4 to 12 years in Colorado State Prison
• Financial penalties: Fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000
• Felony record: Permanent criminal record impacting employment, housing, and civil rights
• Probation: If granted, typically comes with stringent conditions

If the prostitution involved a minor under 18 years old, the consequences become even more severe:

• Mandatory prison sentence
• Required sex offender registration
• Enhanced monitoring after release

Effective Defense Strategies for Pimping Charges

At Dawson Law Office, we develop tailored defense strategies based on the specific circumstances of your case. Common defenses against pimping charges include:

1. Lack of Knowledge

The prosecution must prove you knowingly received money from prostitution activities. If you genuinely didn’t know the source of the funds, this can be a strong defense. For example, if you received money from a roommate or family member without knowing it came from prostitution, you may have a valid defense.

2. Legitimate Business Transaction

If the money exchanged was part of a legitimate business transaction or service, this may serve as a defense. For example, if you provided actual goods or services in exchange for payment (unrelated to prostitution), this could refute the pimping allegation.

3. False Accusations

Unfortunately, false accusations in prostitution-related cases are not uncommon. Motives can include revenge, attempts to reduce one’s own criminal liability, or pressure from law enforcement. We thoroughly investigate the credibility of all witnesses and accusers.

4. Constitutional Violations

Law enforcement must follow proper procedures when investigating and making arrests. We scrutinize:

• Whether police had probable cause for the arrest
• If searches and seizures were conducted legally with proper warrants
• Whether your statements were obtained legally without coercion
• If evidence was properly preserved and handled

5. Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Often, evidence in pimping cases is circumstantial or relies heavily on testimony that may be inconsistent or unreliable.

What To Do If You’re Charged with Pimping

If you’ve been arrested or charged with pimping in Colorado, taking immediate action is crucial:

1. Exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t make statements to police without an attorney present.
2. Don’t discuss your case with anyone except your attorney, as conversations with others aren’t protected by attorney-client privilege.
3. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your case outcome.
4. Preserve evidence that might support your defense, including financial records, communications, and information about your legitimate sources of income.
5. Follow all court orders regarding bail conditions, court appearances, and pretrial requirements.

Immigration Consequences of Pimping Charges

For non-citizens, a pimping conviction can be particularly devastating. Pimping is likely considered an “aggravated felony” under federal immigration law, which can lead to:

• Mandatory detention
• Deportation proceedings
• Permanent inadmissibility to the United States
• Inability to obtain citizenship or legal status

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s essential to work with an attorney who understands both criminal defense and immigration consequences.

Can Pimping Convictions Be Sealed?

Unfortunately, under Colorado law, pimping convictions cannot be sealed or expunged from your record. This makes a strong defense even more critical, as the consequences will follow you for life.

However, if your case is dismissed or you’re acquitted, you may petition to have the arrest record sealed immediately.

Related Offenses

Pimping charges often appear alongside other related charges, including:

• Pandering (C.R.S. § 18-7-203)
• Keeping a place of prostitution (C.R.S. § 18-7-204)
• Soliciting for prostitution (C.R.S. § 18-7-202)
• Human trafficking (C.R.S. § 18-3-503)
• Pimping of a child (C.R.S. § 18-7-405)

Each additional charge compounds your legal risk and requires specialized defense strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pimping Charges

Can I be charged with pimping if I didn’t force anyone into prostitution?

Yes. Unlike pandering, pimping doesn’t require forcing or inducing someone into prostitution. Simply knowingly receiving money from someone else’s prostitution activities is sufficient for a pimping charge.

If my partner is a sex worker and contributes to our household bills, can I be charged with pimping?

Potentially yes. If you knowingly accept financial support from your partner’s prostitution activities, this could technically qualify as pimping under Colorado law, even in an otherwise consensual relationship.

What if I didn’t know the money came from prostitution?

Lack of knowledge is a defense. The prosecution must prove you knew the money or support came from prostitution activities. If you can demonstrate you genuinely didn’t know, this could be a valid defense.

How is pimping different from human trafficking?

Human trafficking involves compelling, inducing, or soliciting another person for the purpose of sexual servitude through force, fraud, or coercion. While related, it’s a separate offense with different elements. However, the same conduct could potentially violate both laws.

Can pimping charges be reduced to lesser offenses?

Yes, with skilled legal representation. Depending on the evidence and circumstances, it may be possible to negotiate for reduced charges such as pandering (without force), which carries significantly lighter penalties.

How Dawson Law Office Can Help

At Dawson Law Office, we understand the serious nature of pimping charges and their potential impact on your life. Our experienced criminal defense team will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of all allegations and evidence
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Develop a strategic defense tailored to your specific situation
• Negotiate aggressively with prosecutors when appropriate
• Prepare vigorously for trial if necessary
• Protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process

We approach each case with discretion, professionalism, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Contact Boulder’s Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Don’t face these serious charges alone. The legal team at Dawson Law Office has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to provide the strong defense you need during this difficult time.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. The sooner we can begin working on your case, the more options we’ll have to protect your rights and your future.