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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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I Was Lucky to Have Jeff Represent Me

After a referral from a friend, I was lucky enough to have Jeff represent me in a domestic violence case. I found Jeff to be extremely professional and experienced in his field. This being my first experience with the court system, he took the time to explain the process and my options in terms I could understand. I never felt like he was forcing me to take one option over another, he clearly explained each one and, while giving his recommendation, left it up to me as to which decision I felt would be the best for me and my family.

I am very pleased with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend Jeff to anyone in this situation.

— Melissa

Hit and Run Charges

I had multiple charges stacked against me by the CSP office for a questionable “hit and run” in my office parking lot. Jeff reviewed the video evidence and was able to get the charges reduced from 26 points against my driver’s license down to 4. He was also able to get the fines reduced to the minimum amount! Jeff was extremely knowledgeable and helped ease my fears each time we spoke and explained the whole process and what to expect along the way. Thank you, Jeff!

— Jim M.

Successful and Very Pleased

My name is Matt and I was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years. I ended up registering for 15 because the courts make it near impossible to get off the list. I tried on my own more than once and the paperwork for one county alone is enough to discourage someone, let alone four counties. I felt hopeless.

I decided to call Wolf Law and get an estimate. I ended up meeting with Colleen Kelley and she was very helpful. Told me the price, which was very reasonable, and I paid to get started. She warned me that it can take up to a year to get a court date and she was right. For me it took nine months, but when the time came, she represented me well and I finally got off the registry.

Life is so much more comfortable now and less embarrassing. The S.O. title is one of the worst badges of shame one can wear and thanks to Colleen Kelley and Wolf Law I no longer carry that weight. I’m thrilled to feel like a normal guy again.

— Matt S.

Sensitive Criminal Matter

At first I was unsure, working with attorneys can be so stressful and difficult to gauge if they can help you effectively. I used this firm for two different cases and I was glad that they were reasonable and didn’t tell me falsehoods. Straight to the point and don’t promise you rainbows and butterflies. That is what you want: a straight up lawyer who doesn’t give you nonsense. Be patient, they will help you and you can feel like they forgot; but that’s just how this stuff goes. Court cases take time and they have many clients, its nothing personal. When we went to court everything was laid out for me to understand and I think they prepared for each task. Each case was handled professionally and they answered all my questions. Thank you, Cassandra and Colleen

— Anonymous

Amazing Results

I worked with Jeffrey on my first DUI case. I had a high BAC but instead of focusing on that, he had me focus on the things I could do before court to prepare. I did my part and he did too. 2/3 charges dropped, 1 largely reduced which prevented any jail time. I’m so thankful, highly recommend Wolf Law.

— Aaron S.

Complete Professionals

This law firm is the true example of professionalism. They are very responsive, very up front and extremely respectful. Colleen is an amazing attorney who truly enjoys what she does. I would recommend Colleen to anyone. She is honest, hard working, no BS, and gets the job done. She knows what to say and when to say it. She definitely went above and beyond for me. I would 100 percent use her again without a doubt.

— Zach

6-Month Jail Sentence Reduced to 90 Days

I was arrested in May 2014 for a warrant that I had since 2010 for DUR, I was facing a six month jail sentence that would have caused me to lose my business, home, as well as once again re-offend me. After countless calls and conversations and meetings with numerous attorneys I was referred to Jeffery Wolf. By simply speaking with him over the phone I felt a little at ease, until I met with him and after that I was completely at ease. He made feel the way an attorney is suppose to make a client feel. He was extremely personable, caring, honest, completely honest, and very detailed as to what his process is and what will take place in court.

On the day of my hearing Jeff arrived a little early and had me wait in the hallway while he stepped into the court room and went to bat for me. The result was a 0 point violation allowing me to keep my DL, a six-month jail sentence reduced to 90 days in-home detention, and a $67 fine, which was way more than I expected.

I highly recommend Jeff he is an excellent attorney that takes your case as serious as you do. I hope I never have to hire an attorney again but if I do without a doubt Jeffrey Wolf will be my first and only thought.

— David

Jeffrey Wolf is Everything You Could Hope for in a Defense Attorney

When a tragic situation affected our family, we immediately contacted Jeffery Wolf. We were comforted knowing that we had a knowledgeable, communicative and compassionate attorney on our side. He often answered our calls after-hours and always stayed with us after court appearances to answer all our questions. During busy times, he would be sure to send a quick note letting us know when he would get back to us and never left us wondering if he had received our inquiries. Beyond being confident that we had the best representation possible, we also knew that Jeffery really cared about us and in fact, he became an honorary member of our family. He was open and honest with us and the DA in order to come up with the best, most fair agreement. We were never left wondering what was going on or what was going to happen. We knew that Jeffery would fight for us as hard and for as long as it took. It felt wonderful knowing that we had Jeffery in our corner. Hopefully we will never need his services again, but if we do, he will be our first call. We highly recommend Jeffery Wolf for anyone who needs a lawyer and wants the best.

— Jenni DeWitt Walker

I Was Very Well Represented by Jeff

Regarding a DV assault charge, Jeff was able to have the judge do something he stated he’d never done in any similar case: he deferred my sentence, reduced probation, reduced the amount of classes I would have to take from being many weeks on end to 2 days, and instead of requiring a no-contact order (which would have left me homeless and unable to speak to my partner via any means), he placed me on a no-contact order with alcohol… That alone was the best thing I could hear.

Without going into details of my case, this was the best possible outcome I could have been given, and I’m so happy that I was recommended to him by a fellow law professional that went to school with Jeff. I will be using him again when the time comes to put this case behind me for good, and would recommend him to anyone who needs expert defense, and wants someone to explain your case in simple, yet professional terms. I felt very well taken care of. Thank you again, Jeff!

— Laurie A.

Wonderful experience!

I had a wonderful experience with Wolf Law firm. Colleen Kelly treated me with the up most respect, gave me solid advice and was there every time I needed her. I highly encourage you to hire her as your attorney should you need one. My experience with her was great.

— Joe P.