Paying a child for sex in Colorado
In Colorado, it is a felony to pay a child under 18 to perform a sex act with you or anyone else. Section 18-7-406 (1) C.R.S. of the Colorado criminal code provides:Any person who performs any of the following with a child not his spouse commits patronizing a prostituted child:
- (a) Engages in an act which is prostitution of a child or by a child…[or]
- (b) Enters or remains in a place of prostitution with intent to engage in an act which is prostitution of a child or by a child…
Penalties for patronizing a child prostitute
Patronizing a prostituted child is a Colorado class 3 felony. Consequences of paying for sex with a child in Colorado include:- 4-12 years in prison (mandatory), and
- A fine of $3,000-$750,000.
Defenses to patronizing a prostituted child
Although it can feel hopeless, there are actually quite a number of defenses to charges of paying a prostituted child for sex. Some of the most common defenses we see include (but are not limited to):- You did not pay, or offer to pay, a child for sex,
- The “child” was 18 or older at the time of the alleged act,
- You were a victim of mistaken identity, or
- The police violated your rights or engaged in misconduct.