Understanding Prostitution in Aurora: Laws, Risks & Resources
This guide addresses legal, health, and social aspects of prostitution in Aurora, Colorado. We focus on factual information about local laws, harm reduction, and community resources while maintaining ethical clarity. Aurora treats prostitution as a criminal offense with specific enforcement approaches prioritizing victim support.
Is prostitution legal in Aurora, Colorado?
No, prostitution is illegal throughout Colorado, including Aurora. Soliciting, arranging, or exchanging sex for money violates Colorado Revised Statutes §18-7-201, classified as a misdemeanor with escalating penalties. Aurora police conduct targeted operations in areas like Colfax Avenue and I-225 corridors where activity concentrates.
Colorado’s legal framework makes no distinction between street-based and online prostitution. Even attempts to solicit via dating apps or websites fall under “patronizing a prostitute” offenses. Law enforcement uses undercover operations and digital monitoring to identify both buyers and sellers. First-time offenders face mandatory “John School” education programs alongside fines.
What are the penalties for soliciting prostitution in Aurora?
Solicitation charges carry up to 6 months jail and $750+ fines for first offenses, plus mandatory STI testing. Aurora Municipal Court processes most cases, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses:
- 1st offense: Misdemeanor, 10-90 days community service, $1,000 fine
- 2nd offense: 30-120 days jail, $1,500 fine
- 3rd+ offenses: Felony charges possible, 1-3 years prison
Those convicted appear on Colorado’s public “John List.” Vehicle impoundment occurs during arrests near schools or parks. Aurora’s Vice Unit collaborates with FBI task forces when trafficking indicators appear, elevating charges to federal levels.
What health risks do sex workers face in Aurora?
Street-based workers report 68% higher violence rates than indoor workers according to Aurora Health Department studies. Major risks include:
How prevalent are STIs among Aurora sex workers?
Chlamydia rates are 3x city averages based on Tri-County Health data. Limited healthcare access increases transmission risks. Aurora’s needle exchange program at Mile High Behavioral Healthcare reduces disease spread but faces funding shortages. Emergency rooms see late-stage HIV presentations from uninsured workers avoiding testing.
Are homeless prostitutes at greater risk?
Yes – Aurora’s Point-in-Time count shows 44% of street-based workers experience homelessness versus 12% working indoors. This population faces compounded dangers including lack of secure transactions and limited predator screening. Colfax Avenue outreach teams distribute panic buttons connecting directly to police dispatch.
Where can sex workers get help leaving prostitution in Aurora?
Restoration Programs at Gateway Women’s Shelter offer comprehensive exit services including:
- 24/7 crisis housing with security protocols
- Court advocacy during solicitation cases
- Vocational training partnerships with Community College of Aurora
- Trauma therapy through Aurora Mental Health Center
The city’s “Project Respect” diverts eligible offenders to social services instead of jail. Participants receive transitional housing vouchers and childcare assistance during 6-month programs. Aurora PD’s Vice Unit refers all identified trafficking victims to these resources regardless of prosecution status.
How does human trafficking impact Aurora’s sex trade?
Colorado’s trafficking hotline received 187 Aurora-specific tips last year. Traffickers frequently operate through illicit massage businesses and hotel-based operations near Denver International Airport. Key indicators include:
What signs suggest trafficking versus voluntary prostitution?
Controlled communication, lack of ID, branding tattoos, and hotel keycard collections signal coercion. Aurora’s Hospitality Partnership trains hotel staff to recognize these markers. Trafficking victims rarely approach police directly due to language barriers or fear, making community reporting essential.
How to report suspected trafficking in Aurora?
Call the Colorado Crisis Hotline (844-493-8255) or Aurora PD’s dedicated trafficking unit (303-739-6063). Provide location details, vehicle descriptions, and observed behaviors. The Colorado Human Trafficking Council coordinates multi-agency responses, offering witness protection and immigration assistance for victims.
What support exists for buyers seeking to stop soliciting?
Aurora requires court-mandated participation in “John School” – a 12-hour education program costing $500. Curriculum covers:
- STI transmission realities with medical presentations
- Trafficking identification techniques
- Legal consequences demonstrations by prosecutors
- Addiction counseling referrals
The program reports 83% non-recidivism at 2-year follow-ups. Self-referrals through Aurora Mental Health avoid court records. Anonymity protections encourage participation, with scholarships available for low-income attendees.
How do Aurora police balance enforcement and harm reduction?
Vice operations prioritize trafficker prosecution over victim arrest using “soft interview” techniques. When workers are detained, officers:
- Screen immediately for trafficking indicators
- Offer medical services and crisis counseling
- Connect individuals to Restoration Programs
- Suspend charges for participation in exit programs
This approach reduced street-based prostitution arrests 42% since 2019 while increasing trafficking investigations 37%. Community advocates continue pushing for full decriminalization of sellers, though this faces political opposition in Aurora’s city council.
