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Being charged with a sex crime in Colorado is serious, which means you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through all the turmoil that lies ahead for you in the court system.

Crimes involving sex can have severe repercussions on your life, so you must take them seriously, no matter the charge. A Colorado defense attorney can help represent you no matter the crime – and here are a few ways they can help you.

What Are Sex Crimes in Colorado?

Sex crime charges in Colorado vary based on the circumstances of each case. There are several types of sex crimes commonly charged in the state, including:

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is an umbrella term that applies to crimes where offensive or unwanted sexual contact occurs. You can get charged with sexual assault, sexual battery, or rape, depending on the circumstances, and the penalties for each offense are unique. How long you face behind bars depends on if any aggravating factors are involved in the case, such as bodily harm or the use of date rape drugs.

Child Sexual Assault

This crime applies to situations where unwanted or offensive sexual contact occurs between a perpetrator and a victim considered a child. The age of consent in Colorado is 15, but how old the defendant is will determine what types of charges they face, even if no force was used in the commission of the crime.

Public Indecency

This crime occurs when someone reveals their intimate parts, aside from their genitals, in a manner others find lewd. This can include acts like public sex, but does not encompass acts such as breastfeeding a baby.

Indecent Exposure

This sex crime is perpetrated when someone exposes their genitals on purpose to offend another or cause them alarm.

Prostitution

Prostitution has many crimes related to it. These include as solicitation, pimping, and patronizing a prostitute.

Child Pornography

There are three statutes under Colorado law that cover child pornography as a sex crime. They are the production, procurement, and distribution of child pornography. With his crime, there are many aggravating factors that can impact the case and increase the penalties received if found guilty.

The Penalties for Colorado Sex Crimes

If you get accused of a sex crime, a conviction means that you can face misdemeanor or felony penalties. What you face depends on several factors:

• What the offense is
• How old those involved were
• If aggravating factors are present (including a criminal record and if force was used in the commission of the crime)

You can face incarceration, fines, and registration as a sex offender when convicted of a sex crime. In certain circumstances, you may have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. That’s why having an attorney is so important.

The truth is that there is quite a stigma in society regarding sex crimes. However, being accused of one does not mean you are guilty, and you deserve to have a proper defense. Additionally, any conviction that requires registration as a sex offender puts your name in a public database. That means that anyone can find out you are a registered sex offender, which can limit where you live, where you work, and even what profession you can practice in the future.

About the Author:

Denver-based criminal defense and DUI attorney Jacob E. Martinez is a knowledgeable and experienced litigator with a record of success providing innovative solutions to clients facing criminal charges of any severity. Mr. Martinez has been recognized by countless legal organizations for his exemplary defense work, including Avvo, Best DWI Attorneys, Expertise, Lawyers of Distinction, The National Trial Lawyers, and others. He was also named one of the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction in Colorado by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys for 2020, and is Lead Counsel rated.