OUR BLOG

Sex crimes are taken seriously in Colorado and around the country. However, time spent in jail for the offense may be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sex crimes. Why?

To put it simply, there are many hidden costs associated with being convicted of a sex offense. Many people are not aware of these consequences and what it could mean for their future.

That’s why it’s crucial to not only understand what type of actions can evoke sex crime charges in Colorado, but what those hidden costs are as well.

Sex Crimes in Colorado

Most people understand that sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact are considered sex crimes in Colorado, but the list doesn’t simply stop there.

There are several crimes that require you to register as a sex offender in the state if you are found guilty. A few other crimes don’t require registration but still go on your criminal record.

They include:

• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Public indecency
• Statutory rape
• Indecent exposure
• Child pornography possession, distribution, or production
• Internet luring of a child
• Prostitution
• Incest
• Kidnapping
• Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification
• Failure to register as a sex offender

The penalties for each of these crimes depend on the factors involved in the particular case, including the age and status of the victim. The penalties for these crimes can include jail time, fines, and registering as a sex offender for possibly the rest of your life.

The Hidden Costs of Sex Crimes

There are many hidden costs to sex crimes in Colorado that escape most people’s attention.

Most people know that court cases are expensive since you have to pay your lawyer as well as other fees associated with the courts. What many don’t know is that you can also face costs associated with:

Treatment

Colorado courts require sex offenders to undergo a psychological evaluation. This can cost several thousand dollars and will be required as a part of the sentence if found guilty.

After the evaluation, you may also be required to attend therapy or treatment regularly. This can cost you additional money, often hundreds of dollars per month. Failing to complete this evaluation and subsequent treatments may violate the terms of your agreement with the court during sentencing—and can send you to jail.

These treatments required by the court can be required for years. On average, sex offenders attend about 18 months of therapy. Courts may also require sex offenders to take polygraph tests a couple of times per year, each costing around $250.

Trackers

Some sex crimes will require the offender to have what is called a tracker. Usually, this is someone with a law enforcement background who monitors the schedule and daily life of the offender.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have someone following you around constantly. However, it does mean that you will be required to call the tracker on a schedule to let them know where you are. If you go somewhere off schedule, such as the grocery store, then you will have to call to let them know.

Trackers sometimes check where you say you’ll be to make sure you’re really there. But this service doesn’t come inexpensively. Offenders have to pay for the services of the tracker, which can be up to $30 per hour. That can add up to thousands of dollars in the first year alone.

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.