Colorado Springs Defense for Solicitation Charges
A solicitation charge in Colorado carries consequences that can follow you for years and, in some cases, for life. Our criminal defense attorneys have been defending clients in Colorado Springs and throughout southern Colorado for over 20 years, including cases involving soliciting minors for sex and charges that trigger Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) proceedings. We handle every case with the highest level of discretion.
Colorado law recognizes two main categories of solicitation charges. Criminal solicitation under C.R.S. § 18-2-301 applies when someone induces another person to commit any felony. Solicitation of prostitution under C.R.S. § 18-7-202 is a separate offense with its own penalty structure. The charge you’re facing determines your potential exposure, and the facts of your case shape the defense strategy. Acting quickly matters because statements made before you have legal counsel can be used against you.
If you’re facing a solicitation charge in Colorado Springs, contact us for a free consultation. A Spanish-speaking attorney is available. Call (719) 212-2448.Why Clients in El Paso County Choose The Gasper Law Group
Facing a solicitation charge is stressful in ways that go far beyond the courtroom. The social stigma is real, and the financial pressure of an unexpected criminal charge is real too. We built our practice around the idea of Helping People First, which means low retainers and interest-free payment plans so cost doesn’t force you into a bad decision about your representation.
Our proximity to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and other installations in the Colorado Springs area means we understand what a criminal charge means for active-duty servicemembers. We accommodate deployment schedules and work around military obligations. A conviction or even a pending charge can put a security clearance, benefits, and a military career at risk, and that context shapes how we approach these cases.
Our attorneys have received Martindale-Hubbell ratings including Client Champion Gold, Client Champion Silver, Distinguished, and Notable. We’re also active in the Colorado Springs community through organizations including CASA of the Pikes Peak Region and Court Care of the Pikes Peak Area. We represent clients across El Paso County, Teller County, Pueblo County, Douglas County, Fremont County, and the broader southern Colorado region.
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Committed to the Community
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Helping People First
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Offering Payment Plans
Colorado Solicitation Charges & Penalties
The penalty you face depends on which statute applies and the facts of the alleged offense. Here’s how Colorado law breaks it down.
Criminal Solicitation Under C.R.S. § 18-2-301
This statute applies when a person commands, induces, or otherwise attempts to persuade another to commit a felony, with intent to promote or facilitate that crime, under circumstances strongly corroborative of that intent. The penalty is one class of crime less serious than the underlying felony solicited. If the underlying offense is a level 1 drug felony, the solicitation charge becomes a level 2 drug felony, which can be punishable by up to 8 years in prison.
Soliciting for Prostitution Under C.R.S. § 18-7-202
Under current Colorado law, soliciting for prostitution is a petty offense, carrying up to 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $300, plus a possible additional fine of up to $5,000. The law in this area has changed significantly over recent years, and the charge you face will be governed by the statute as it stands at the time of the alleged offense.
Soliciting for Child Prostitution Under C.R.S. § 18-7-402
This is a Class 3 felony, with penalties of 4 to 12 years in prison and fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000. Charges involving minors can also trigger mandatory sex offender registration. Critically, attempting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit a class 2, 3, or 4 felony sex offense may be subject to Colorado’s indeterminate sentencing provisions under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-1004, which can mean supervision extending for life. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the SOMB process that governs these cases.
Speak With a Solicitation Criminal Attorney in Colorado Springs
Defense Strategies for Solicitation Charges
Before we recommend any path forward, we assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence. We’ve taken sex offense cases to trial and negotiated favorable resolutions in others. How your case proceeds is your decision. We give you an honest assessment and lay out your options.
Common defense approaches include:- Entrapment: When law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you weren’t predisposed to commit, entrapment may be a viable defense. The key question is whether the idea originated with law enforcement or with you.
- Suppression of evidence: A lack of probable cause for an arrest may render evidence gathered afterward inadmissible. This is particularly relevant in cases that began with a stop or arrest based on thin grounds.
- Challenging specific intent: Because solicitation requires that your words or conduct reflected a conscious objective to facilitate a crime, the prosecution’s framing of your intent can be challenged directly.
- Sting operation evidence: Undercover operations in Colorado frequently produce audio and video recordings. Challenging the accuracy, completeness, or chain of custody of that evidence can be critical to the defense.
- Alternative resolutions: Depending on the facts and your history, prosecutors may consider reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion programs.
Collateral Consequences Beyond the Courtroom
A solicitation conviction doesn’t end when sentencing does. The record follows you, and the downstream effects can be as damaging as the criminal penalties themselves. We work to minimize those consequences as part of our defense strategy.
Consequences that can extend beyond a sentence include:- Employment: A conviction can appear permanently on a criminal record and may bar you from fields involving children, finance, or other regulated industries.
- Sex offender registration: Where registration is triggered, it requires public disclosure and can restrict where you live and work for years or for life.
- Military service: Active-duty servicemembers can face discharge proceedings, potential loss of security clearance, and impact on benefits. We have direct experience representing military clients in Colorado Springs and understand these stakes.
- Professional licensing: Even a misdemeanor solicitation conviction can affect licenses in regulated professions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Be Charged With Solicitation Even if No Crime Was Committed?
Yes. Under C.R.S. § 18-2-301, the offense is complete once the inducement is made under circumstances corroborating criminal intent. The person you solicited doesn’t need to have acted on it, agreed, or committed any crime.
What’s the Difference Between Criminal Solicitation & Solicitation of Prostitution?
Criminal solicitation under § 18-2-301 applies to inducing another person to commit any felony. Solicitation of prostitution under § 18-7-202 is a separate offense with its own penalty structure, currently charged as a petty offense under Colorado law. The two charges are legally distinct and carry different consequences.
Could a Solicitation Charge Lead to Sex Offender Registration?
Certain charges can, particularly those involving minors. Soliciting for child prostitution under § 18-7-402 can trigger mandatory registration. Charges that fall under Colorado’s indeterminate sentencing provisions may also involve long-term supervision requirements. Whether registration applies in your case depends on the specific charge and the facts involved.
What If I Was Set Up by an Undercover Officer?
Entrapment may be a viable defense if law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you weren’t predisposed to commit. Colorado courts have confirmed that the offense can be complete even when the solicited party is an undercover officer, so the entrapment defense focuses on whether the idea originated with law enforcement. An attorney can evaluate whether this defense fits the facts of your case.
How Soon Should I Contact an Attorney After a Solicitation Arrest?
As soon as possible. Statements made before you have legal counsel can be used against you, and early action preserves the widest range of defense options. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (719) 212-2448 for a free initial consultation.
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Junior League of Colorado Springs
The Junior League of Colorado Springs has served the Pikes Peak region as both an initiator of projects as well as a ready partner to other non-profit organizations to address needs in the community.
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What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Probate?
Informal and formal probate both refer to the kinds of procedures that are used to appoint a representative for an individual to handle various matters and accept a will for probate. The most commonly used of the two is informal probate, which is the least difficult to enact if assets are straightforward and the parties involved are in agreement with each other.
However, formal probate will be required under certain circumstances, such as when:
- There are issues with a will
- Heirs are missing or unknown
- Heirs are still minors
- The estate is insolvent, i.e., debts exceed assets owned
- There are disputes or there are likely to be disputes among heirs
- Problems are expected with the administration
The informal probate process will entail presenting an application to a registrar as opposed to a judge. Registrars then approve the estate and ensure completion of all paperwork, but won’t be involved once they have approved the estate.
Formal probate, on the other hand, involves a probate attorney. The formal process can be more complicated and involve many steps, which is why it’s best to consult with a probate attorney at The Gasper Law Group who can walk you through formal probate in Colorado.
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Can You Avoid Probate in Colorado?
Yes, you can avoid probate in Colorado by making a living trust, which will prevent any asset you own from going to probate courts, including bank accounts, real estate, and more. You can do so by creating a trust document that names a specific individual to serve as a successor trustee following your death. You will then need to transfer ownership of your property to yourself as the trustee identified in the trust.
You can also avoid probate in Colorado through:
- Joint ownership of property
- Payable-on-death designations for bank accounts
- Transfer-on-death real estate deeds
- Transfer-on-death registration for securities
- Simplification of probate procedures for small estates
Set up an initial consultation with our office today. Discuss your case with our Colorado Springs Lawyers at
(719) 212-2448 or complete our contact form.
When Solicitation Is Charged Alongside Other Offenses
Solicitation charges rarely arrive alone. In many cases, a single incident can produce multiple charges, and understanding how they interact matters for how the defense is built. We handle the full range of sex offense and criminal defense matters, including cases where solicitation appears alongside conspiracy, attempt, or related charges.
Under Colorado law, solicitation, conspiracy, and criminal attempt share the same penalty structure, but each requires different elements for the prosecution to prove. That distinction can create strategic considerations. A charge that fails on one theory may not fail on another, which is why the full charging picture needs to be understood from the start.
Related charges that can accompany a solicitation case include:- Enticement of a child (C.R.S. § 18-3-305): A separate offense that may be charged alongside or instead of solicitation when a minor is involved.
- Patronizing a prostituted child (C.R.S. § 18-7-406): Subject to indeterminate sentencing and among the offenses that can result in lifetime sex offender supervision.
- Online solicitation cases: These often involve text messages, social media communications, and law enforcement-created accounts. Each category of electronic evidence may require its own legal challenge regarding collection, authenticity, or admissibility.
At The Gasper Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will highly recommend Gasper Law to my friends and family"Thank you for all the help specially Karen made made everything easy to resolve my case and Renee is a big help too marking my payments affordable. I will highly recommend Gasper Law to my friends and family who will need an attorney. Job well done keep up...- Arch V.
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"The professionalism, guidance, and candor I’ve received from each person in this law firm has been beyond reproach."
I’m not one to have an extensive experience with law firms or lawyers and court in general. However, the professionalism, guidance, and candor I’ve received from each person in this law firm have been beyond reproach. Anytime, I mean, anytime, I’ve had a question about my case and the way forward, I was met with a friendly and constructive conversation about my case. There was never a doubt in my mind, that I made the right choice when I selected this law firm to represent me. Caryn and Stacie have been a wonderful blessing to my life and my legal proceedings. If you are looking for a no-BS law firm that has a significant reputation in the Springs area, I absolutely recommend this one. Even though I hope to not have to deal with this again, fingers crossed and every lucky charm, I’d trust this law firm with my representation to handle the hard stuff and give me ease with court proceedings. Thank you all for what you do and have done for me, my family, and my career. Bless you all.
- Steve S. -
"I highly recommend that you not waste your time hiring other attorneys and hire the Gasper Law Group."After an absolutely crazy incident that could not have been seen almost anywhere besides a movie. I received some serious charges and was in search of an attorney. They would not only represent me but need to do the right thing because it's the right thing to do. Not because of a paycheck. I met Caryn Adams after meeting with several other top attorneys in the Colorado Springs area. I was very impressed with her genuine care about my situation and her want to help me. Not only did I want great representation, but I needed someone that I could reasonably afford given all the other expenses I was incurring. Caryn checked every box I needed. She was the only attorney who took extra care when I initially met with her to do everything she could do to protect me even before I hired her. I highly recommend that you not waste your time hiring other attorneys and hire the Gasper Law Group. They will protect you.- Lance F.
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"Excellent care and representation"The Gasper Law Group took great care of me throughout my legal situation and constantly kept me in the loop. Couldn't ask for better representation!- Ryan L.
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"They answered every call, every email from me in the long process of this probate and they all was very professional"
I really want to Thank Jack, Emily, and Therese for all their hard work taking care of my sister Pamela Bellos’s estate , they answered every call, every email from me in the long process of this probate and they all was very professional
- Karen B. -
"I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team!"I used the Gasper Law Group when I was going through my divorce and child custody case. I got the outcome I wanted, Carrie Kelly and Kimberly Lucas made my life 10x easier considering i didn’t know what I was doing. They were patient, and caring and even made me laugh a few times. I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team! I’m now happily divorced and got my kiddo 50/50! You guys rock and if anything comes up in the future, I’ll be sure to use you guys! Thanks so much gasper law group for the fast and professional services!- Micheala E.
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"My charges were dropped and we walked away with all parental rights/custody and a restraining order against the other party."Caryn Adams and her team are hands down the BEST. I don't think I would have made it through what I went through without her by my side. My charges were dropped and we walked away with all parental rights/custody and a restraining order against the other party.- Avarie J.
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"They took care of my case in a very timely manner and made it feel like my traffic ticket was their number one and only priority."Caryn Adams, Stacey Sadler and the rest of the team at the Gasper law group are an amazing, courteous, compassionate, and very helpful group of talented individuals. I was in a bind and during my consultation I explained my situation and they went above and beyond my expectations. They took care of my case in a very timely manner and made it feel like my traffic ticket was their number one and only priority. I have never been treated with such respect and compassion. I definitely recommend talking to them about any of your legal needs.- Scott R.
Criminal Cases
OUR DEFENSE ATTORNEYS CAN HELP
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DUI/DWAIWhether it is your first offense or a repeat offense, our DUI/DWAI lawyers can mitigate the impact of a drunk driving arrest. We address all aspects of DUI/DWAI defense, including license suspensions, minor in possession (MIP) and underage DUI/drinking, DUI probation requirements, fighting a DUI, and more. Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Colorado DUI & DWAI for more information.
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Sex OffensesOur sex crimes defense attorneys have handled high-profile cases of rape, child pornography, and soliciting minors for sex, and are familiar with the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) hoops clients must jump through to regain their freedom.
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Drug ChargesFrom drug possession or DUID to trafficking or manufacture, our drug crime attorneys work to keep our clients out of prison. With a strong defense, it is possible to have charges reduced or dropped altogether.
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Juvenile Crimes
We’ve seen the damaging effects a conviction can have on the lives of adults, but they can have far-reaching consequences for juveniles just as much. From minor in possession (MIP) charges to assault, theft, etc., our Colorado Springs criminal attorneys protect your child’s rights and fight for the least damaging resolution for their future.
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White Collar Crimes
Whether you are being charged with fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, or any other white collar crime, our criminal defense attorneys can represent you and work toward the best outcome possible.
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Under InvestigationIf you are under investigation but not yet charged for an economic crime, drug crime, internet crime, or any serious felony, our experienced investigation lawyers can advise you.
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Domestic ViolenceWe defend individuals charged with domestic violence and assault, as well as fight the issuance of a permanent restraining order or additional criminal charges of violating a restraining order (VRO).
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Probation/Parole ViolationsIf you are accused of violating the terms of your probation or parole, you may face extremely serious legal penalties. Our Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys can help guide you through any issues.
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Violent CrimesThe penalties for violent crimes, including first- and second-degree assault, murder, kidnapping, arson, burglary, and aggravated robbery, are typically severe. Having one of our skilled criminal defense attorneys on your side is crucial to secure the best possible outcome.
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FeloniesState felonies are more serious offenses and thus require a criminal defense attorney with the highest level of expertise – that is where our team comes in. Our seasoned attorneys have represented clients in a wide range of felony crimes.
Why Choose The Gasper Law Group?
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Committed to the Community
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Helping People First
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Offering Payment Plans