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If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Colorado, you need aggressive representation and compassionate legal counsel to weather the storm ahead. Sex crimes have serious and long-lasting consequences that you can’t afford to take lightly.

The Denver criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law are dedicated to personalized defense representation, including sex crime cases. For a free consultation about your legal options, please call us at 720-479-8574 or tell us your story online to get started now.

Sex Crimes in Colorado

The actual criminal charges associated with sex crimes vary based on the unique circumstances of the incident. Sex crimes in Colorado include but are not limited to the following offenses:

  • Sexual assault: Sexual assault is a broad term that applies to crimes involving unwanted or offensive sexual contact; charges can range from assault to battery to rape with penalties varying depending on a number of “aggravating” factors (i.e., the use of violence, date rape drugs, etc.).
  • Child sexual assault: The age of consent in Colorado is 15; however, the age of the older actor will determine if statutory rape charges apply (even if no force was used).
  • Indecent exposure: Indecent exposure may be charged when an individual purposefully exposes his or her genitals to cause alarm or offend another.
  • Public indecency: Public indecency occurs when an individual reveals intimate parts (other than one’s genitals) in a lewd manner; this includes public sex but does not include behaviors such as public breastfeeding.
  • Prostitution: Colorado has criminalized many prostitution-related crimes including soliciting (asking someone to buy sex), patronizing (paying for sex), and pimping (when a third party solicits customers on behalf of a prostitute).
  • Internet luring: Internet luring of a child is the act of an adult knowingly communicating over a computer or other data network with a person whom the adult knows or believes to be less than 15, and during communication describes explicit sexual conduct and attempts to meet (in person) for any reason.
  • Sexting: There is no criminal charge for “sexting” in Colorado, which usually involves exchanging nude or semi-nude images or explicit communications via mobile device, email, or other communications network. It is not a crime for consenting adults to engage in sexting; however, when a child is involved, this behavior can become a charge of internet exploitation of a child.
  • Child pornography: There are three Colorado statutes prohibiting the production, distribution, and procurement of child pornography. The amount of pornography in question and previous criminal charges are examples of “aggravating” factors that could increase penalties and sentencing.

If you have questions about criminal charges, you need Wolf Law. Sex crimes are serious and can cause long-term harm to your reputation, financial future, and your ability to work and live in a community.

Denver Sex crimes lawyer

Colorado Sex Crimes Offenses and Penalties

Those accused of a sex crime may face municipal, misdemeanor or felony charges. Penalties and sentencing depend on the offense(s), the ages of the individuals involved, aggravating factors such as previous criminal history, the use of force or violence, and where the act took place.

Most Colorado sex crimes are charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Some offenses are subject to lifetime supervision provisions and sex offender registration requirements. Following are some of the penalties associated with common sex crimes.

Sexual Assault

 Since sexual assault covers a range of offenses, there are several classifications and penalties:

  • Class 2 felony: These are considered some the most severe offenses and often involve serious bodily injury to the victim, multiple perpetrators, and/or the use of a deadly weapon.
    • Penalties: Eight- to 48-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from eight to 48 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.
  • Class 3 felony: This category is used for crimes in which the perpetrator impaired the victim though the use of drugs, alcohol, or threats of violence, or in instances in which the victim is kidnapped or is made physically helpless and has not consented.
    • Penalties: Four- to 32-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from four to 32 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.
  • Class 4 felony: This charge includes acts such as intrusion or sexual penetration disguised as medical services, or sexual misconduct when a victim is in the custody or care of law enforcement, hospital, or similar institution.
    • Penalties: Two- to 16-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from two to 16 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.
  • Class 1 misdemeanor: Sexual intrusion or penetration of a victim who is at least 15 but less than 17 and the perpetrator is at least 10 years older than the victim.
    • Penalties: Six-month to 24-month sentence; subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.

Sexual Assault of a Child

  • Class 3 felony: Any sexual contact committed by an individual who is at least four years older than the alleged victim, who is less than 15, and the perpetrator used force or threatened violence or retaliation, was in a position of trust or when this act is part of a pattern of sexual abuse.
    • Penalties: Four- to 32-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from four to 32 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.
  • Class 4 felony: Same as Class 3, but without the use of force or threat, position of trust or pattern of abuse.
    • Penalties: Two- to 16-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from two to 16 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.

Other Sex Crimes Involving Minors

  • Internet sexual exploitation of a child
    • Penalties: Two- to 16-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from two to 16 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.
  • Internet luring of a child
    • Penalties: One- to 16-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from two to 16 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); subject to lifetime supervision; sex offender registration required.
  • Human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude
    • Penalties: Eight- to 48-year indeterminate sentence (meaning the judge picks a number from eight to 48 years and then sentences the individual to up to life in prison and the parole decides if or when an individual is released after the initial term is served); sex offender registration required.

Prostitution

The penalties for prostitution depend on the individual charged and his or her involvement (i.e., soliciting, patronizing, pimping, etc.).

prostitute talking to potential customer
Prostitution penalties in Colorado may include jail time and fines.

For example, it’s a Class 3 misdemeanor to solicit another to perform a sexual act for money (prostitution). This is punishable by up to six months in jail; offenders are not subject to lifetime supervision and they don’t have to register as a sex offender.

However, patronizing a prostitute (i.e., paying for sex) is a Class 1 misdemeanor and punishable by up to 18 months in jail; offenders are not subject to lifetime supervision and don’t have to register as a sex offender.

Additionally, prostitution or solicitation of prostitution can also be municipal petty offenses with penalties up to one year of jail or fines up to $2,650.

Pimping is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 32 years in prison; offenders are not subject to lifetime supervision and don’t have to register as a sex offender.

Indecent Exposure

  • Class 1 misdemeanor: When a perpetrator willfully exposes his or her genitals to the view of any person in circumstances in which it’s likely to cause offense or alarm.
    • Penalties: Six- to eight-month sentence; offenders are not subject to lifetime supervision, but the perpetrator has to register as a sex offender.
  • Class 6 felony: Any third or subsequent incident involving indecent exposure.
    • Penalties: 12- to 18-month sentence; offenders are not subject to lifetime supervision, but the perpetrator has to register as a sex offender.

Public Indecency

  • Class 1 petty offense: Performing sexual intercourse in a public place; the lewd exposure of intimate body parts (other than one’s genitals).
    • Penalties: Up to a one-year sentence; offenders are not subject to lifetime supervision and the perpetrator does not have to register as a sex offender.
  • Class 1 misdemeanor: Any subsequent incident involving public indecency.
    • Penalties: Six- to 18-month sentence; offenders are not subject to lifetime supervision, and the perpetrator does not have to register as a sex offender.

This list of offenses and penalties is just a summary of some of the most commonly charged sex crimes outlined in the Colorado criminal code. If you or a loved one faces criminal charges associated with a sex crime, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer to fully understand the charges at hand and your legal options.

Get the Denver Defense Lawyer You Deserve

The stigma of sex crime-related charges is a heavy burden that can follow a person for the rest of his or her life. Many sex crime charges require registration as a sex offender.

A law book with a gavel - Criminal law
The Denver criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law have extensive experience in cases related to sex crime charges.

More specifically, the Colorado Sex Offense Registry is an ongoing database of named sex offenders living in Colorado. This federally mandated database became accessible to the public in 1996.

The database also includes a list of sexually violent predators (SVP), who by definition pose a higher risk to the community. Once an SVP is released from the Department of Corrections, the community is actively notified. In fact, the Denver Police Department built a YouTube page dedicated to notifying the public about sexually violent predators.

This is significant because many sex offenders have no other criminal history and don’t fit the public’s perceptions of a “typical” sex offender.

The Denver criminal defense lawyers at Wolf Law have handled a broad range of sex crime cases, and we’re here to protect your rights through this challenging process.

If you or a loved one is charged with a sex crime, please call us today at 720-479-8574 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

There are varying levels of sex crimes from petty offenses, to misdemeanors, to felonies, but those most serious felonies up at the top, those are the ones that can land you in prison or on probation for the rest of your life. These are not cases you EVER want to go alone without an attorney for; you don’t want to just see what happens on a sex case. Every moment in court, and every moment out of court is important on a sex case. There will never be another case in your life that will be more serious than a sex crime, I understand that and I treat them as such. It is also important to understand that a sex crime has varying consequences that are not related to jail or prison. You will be required to register as a sex offender if convicted of a sex crime. You will be required to do treatment that is expensive, long and very difficult. You will also be required to undergo the humiliation of these kinds of charges. It can lead to not being able to find a place to live, not being able to find a job; you can’t take a sex case lightly. I have handled a lot of sex cases in my time as an attorney. I have handled the lower level sex crimes, all the way up to the most serious you can get. It is important to understand that you need an attorney who is going to handle these cases very carefully. With the high rate of false allegations that come from sex crimes there needs to be someone who knows how to deal with that, who knows how to fight for you, as hard as you are going to fight for yourself. At Wolf Law I want every client to get excellent and compassionate representation. That is never more true than when someone is charged with a sex crime.

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Professional and Knowledgeable

I cannot be happier with Jeffrey Wolf’s representation in my court case. He was very direct, no time wasted. Very professional, and above all very knowledgeable and qualified as an attorney. I was facing felony charges that were unfounded and Mr. Wolf saw the truth immediately, believed in me despite the allegations and got all charges dismissed. He always kept me informed and current with his progress, and offered very sound advice. I also would consider him a friend as well. I highly recommend Mr. Wolf to anyone needing serious legal counsel.

— Bill F.

The best lawyer you could ever hire !!!

Jeffrey Wolf is the best lawyer you could ever hire. He most definitely went way above and beyond the call of duty for me and my case. I’m sure that some of you have hired other lawyers in the past and it seemed like they drug their heels, and wouldn’t return calls, which made you feel that they didn’t care about you.

As far as I’m concerned that will never happen to you if you hire Jeffrey Wolf. He treated me like I was either his best friend or a member of his family, that’s how I felt dealing with him. I honestly looked forward to his calls. He seems like a super cool/good guy. If I lived in Colorado I would be honored to even hang out sometime, maybe shoot some pool, go bowling, ect just have fun. But the most important thing as far as business goes he got an amazing result for me in the case he represented me for. If yall don’t hire Jeffrey as your attorney then you’re making a HUGE mistake that you will probably regret the rest of your life. Again tyvvvvvvvm Jeffrey Wolf for taking care of me. You are the best.

— Francis White

Cassandra Monahan

Cassandra was absolutely amazing. She was fast, polite, professional, proficient, and extremely knowledgeable. She stayed in constant contact and took my many calls and silly questions. I rate her a 10 out of 10.

— Matthew Ferreira

Best in the business

Working with Mr. Wolf was an absolute privilege. Having never been in trouble with the law before, Jeff was there for me each step of the way from the day before I turned myself in, to the very end of my case, which he was able to help me get dismissed.

A true professional, he was nothing but honest and fair to me. He showed me and my family the utmost respect through a difficult time. At a point when I felt alone, Jeff was there to make sure I would be ok.

He is true to his word, and each step of the way, he and his team will keep you informed on any and all items that need to be addressed.

Because of Mr. Wolf, I can continue with my life and move forward. Thank you, Jeff Wolf, and everyone at the firm. If anyone I know ever needs a defense attorney, I will recommend the best in Colorado. Wolf Law.

— John

My Experience with Wolf Law

I am nothing but pleased with the service, trustworthiness, advice, compassion, and hard work that Wolf Law has provided me with. My case lasted for about six months in 2019. I had charges regarding the developing laws concerning marijuana in Colorado. Originally I wasted four months with a lawyer who made the already stressful and unfortunate situation ever more challenging and miserable. It was a blessing to meet Jeff! He was able to reach a resolution with the Colorado Springs DA that would allow me to have a chance in the future. Every step of the way he was patient, present, persistent, and a pleasure to work with. I drove all the way from Colorado Springs to find a lawyer that would fight for justice to the best of their ability and Jeff Wolf was that person – a person who cares about his clients and their lives. He did his job without judgment and exuded understanding and encouragement throughout. It is difficult to find people who are willing to genuinely help others and keep them positive. My hope is that if you find yourself in a situation where you are seeking legal counsel, please give Jeff’s firm a call. I cannot thank him enough for his kindness and work through this difficult time.

— S.M.

Wolf Law and Colleen Kelley are Great

Had the chance to work with Colleen Kelley and found her not only to be a great attorney, but also someone who will fight for you! Highly recommend her…

— Tom S.

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After finding myself wrongfully accused of a DUI charge, Mr. Wolf fought to show the DA that I was not guilty and ultimately got the charge dismissed. Mr. Wolf’s knowledge, professionalism, and effectiveness made me feel comfortable and confident throughout my case. He was always more than willing to answer any questions I had promptly and thoroughly. Although this was an unfortunate situation, I couldn’t have asked for better representation. I would highly recommend Mr. Wolf!

— Anonymous

Best Possible Outcome Thanks to Wolf Law

When I walked into the office I was at a low point I can’t describe. When I talked to Jeffrey Wolf I wanted to hear, “Don’t worry, you’re going to be fine.” Instead I was told the honest truth: I was in serious trouble, but he would fight like crazy to get me the best possible outcome. After thinking about that I realized it was far better to hear the truth rather than a lawyer trying to get my business, and in the end I got exactly what Jeff said: Good advice, an excellent professional defense, and I believe the best possible outcome I could have wanted. I highly recommend Wolf Law.

— David R.

Professional and empathetic

I contacted Wolf Law for legal assistance with a case that had extenuating circumstances requiring someone experienced and understanding. When I first spoke with Jeff, he helped put me at ease and on the path to a resolution. Jeff promptly informed me of each new development in the case, while being sympathetic to my situation and advocating on my behalf. I’m incredibly satisfied with the result of the case and the speed at which Jeff achieved that outcome. Jeff was able to rectify a life changing event to just be a bump in the road.

— Mark Horgan

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I’ve had a few attorneys and as most know attorneys mostly care about the money and the payday your case brings them rather than their clients and thats my experience with attorneys.

When I first called Wolf Law they instantly showed their interest in my case and not money. After my initial call to Wolf Law, Jeff Wolf called me back as soon as he had the chance to discuss options and what it would look like if I hired him. He gave great advice and no pressure to use him. That goes along way when looking for an attorney. Jeff and his firm care about their clients and that’s why he will be my attorney moving forward.

— Dylan