Breckenridge Pimping and Pandering Defense Lawyers
Assertive Legal Defense Against Pimping and Pandering Charges in Breckenridge, CO
Sex crimes are frowned upon by society and the criminal justice system. Pimping and pandering are classified as sex crimes, and if you’ve been accused of either one, then you have a lot at stake. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers are often “trigger happy” when it comes to crimes involving sex or prostitution, and you may face the full weight of the legal system coming down on you.
With the high level of emotions involved in sex crimes, being accused of pimping and pandering may lead to challenging legal problems. It’s crucial to retain knowledgeable and experienced legal counsel to defend your rights and freedom.
At Whitaker and Penix, LLC, our attorneys, Kylie Whitaker and Ehren Penix, understand the delicate and challenging nature of these cases, and we know that things are often not as they appear. We work with our clients to fully understand the facts, and we will put together an aggressive defense seeking an acquittal or a reduced sentence and the restoration of your good name.
Kylie Whitaker was selected as a Colorado Rising Star by Super Lawyers, and Whitaker and Penix, LLC has an A+ rating from the Colorado Better Business Bureau. We have years of criminal law experience working in the local court system in Breckenridge. During your free consultation, our Breckenridge sex crime defense attorneys will sit down with you and discuss your legal options.
Give us a call at (970) 368-0602 to learn more today.
What is Pimping in Colorado?
Pimping in is a Class 3 felony under Colorado Criminal Code § 18-7-206, which defines the offense as knowingly living on or being supported or maintained in whole or in part by money or other things of value earned, received, procured, or realized by any other person through prostitution.
There are three key elements involved in the crime of pimping:
- You must be aware that the support is earned through the prostitution of another.
- You must be supported partially or wholly by the prostitution of another.
- The support you receive must be a direct result of the prostitution of another.
The level of the criminal charges will be based on several other factors, including:
- Whether any of the alleged prostitutes were under the age of 18
- Any force, fear, or other coercion used to enforce prostitution
Felony pimping is punishable by four to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000.
What Is Pandering?
Pandering is defined in Colorado Criminal Code § 18-7-203 as performing either of the following acts in exchange for money or other things of value:
- Inducing a person by menacing or criminal intimidation to commit prostitution
- Knowingly arranging or offering to arrange a situation in which a person may practice prostitution
Pandering is a crime whether any prostitution has occurred or not. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the age of the victim. Punishment for felony pandering may include one to three years in prison and fines up to $100,000. Misdemeanor pandering may be punished with up to six months in prison and fines of up to $750.
If the prostitute is under 18 years old, the charge is covered under a statute known as “pandering of a child” and is punishable by up to 24 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000, as well as the requirement to be registered as a Colorado sex offender.
Any conviction of pandering also results in the imposition of a $5,000-$10,000 fine, proceeds of which go to Colorado’s prostitution enforcement cash fund.
The Difference Between Pandering and Pimping
Pimping and pandering are similar, but they are separate criminal offenses. Simply put, pimping is the act of being supported by the prostitution of others, whereas pandering is the act of forcing another person to engage in prostitution or arranging prostitution. In many cases, those charged with pimping are also charged with pandering.
Legal Defenses Against Pimping and Pandering Charges
Your criminal defense lawyer will investigate your case and develop an effective legal defense against charges of pimping and pandering, which may include:
- You were unaware of any prostitution involved.
- You did not receive anything of value.
- The money you received was not through an act of prostitution.
- You were not supported in any way by prostitution.
- You did not menace, intimidate, or force another person to engage in prostitution.
- You were falsely accused.
Facing Pimping or Pandering Allegations in Summit County?
In addition to jail time and harsh fines, the consequences of a conviction for pimping and pandering can have severe consequences that may include damage to your reputation, loss of gun rights, and diminished employment opportunities. That’s why you need the right attorney by your side. If you are facing charges for pimping or pandering in Breckenridge, contact our experienced Summit County criminal lawyers at Whitaker and Penix, LLC by calling (970) 368-0602 today.