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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.

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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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So Glad I Hired Jeff Wolf for My DUI Case

I was originally considering not hiring an attorney since this was my first DUI offense but I’m definitely glad I did. It was my first DUI but I was involved in a one-car accident and totaled my car. I started to worry about the possible consequences after reading the penalties online. I contacted Jeff’s office after reading reviews on AVVO left by other clients. From the beginning he was very straightforward regarding possible penalties and possible outcomes, and gave me the details of what he would do if I hired him.

We worked out what strategies we would use for the DMV and Court. Without going into too much detail, I have to say that I was extremely happy that I decided to hire Jeff. Immediately after hiring him I felt a lot less stress about the whole situation. He was always in contact with me every step of the process and even did things for me that I didn’t have to do myself, like my DMV hearing.

Every DUI case is different based on many different circumstances, so I can’t say that my results will be yours, however I was extremely happy with my results. He won my DMV hearing, and I didn’t lose my license and got pretty much the minimum penalties in court. Overall, I would recommend him to any family or friends who find themselves in the same situation. I have several friends who had similar situations who couldn’t believe how lucky I was to get the outcome that I did. Thank you for everything Jeff!

— Daniel G.

Wonderful Experience with Colleen Kelley

I recently had the pleasure of becoming Colleen Kelley’s client. Even despite the terrible circumstances of fighting wrongful criminal charges, Colleen provided a supportive and pleasant experience during this process. Thankfully, I was introduced to Colleen through another attorney. She took my case on short notice and started working on my behalf in less than 24 hours by showing up to court the day after I secured her services.

She was diligent in her research, communication, and pursuit of justice. In just three short months, my case was dismissed. During this three-month nightmare, Colleen provided clarity and assurance along the way. While Colleen was very thorough in regards to every possible outcome I might experience, her professionalism and devotion to this case made it clear that the outcomes would be outstanding from day one. I’m so thankful that I found Colleen to represent me. I would highly recommend her services.

— Dawn R.

Out of 5 stars I give Wolf Law 21,000

I had Cassandra Monahan defend me on an absolutely ridiculous Felony Menacing charge.
Cassandra fought for my life and got me a deferred judgement and only 12mo probation. After probation all charges against me were thrown out and all records sealed.

She was straight forward and diligent with my case. I can’t recommend Wolf Law and Cassandra enough.

— - Tom O.

Jeff Helped Me Feel Safe Again

I would highly recommend attorney Jeffrey Wolf. He consistently demonstrates knowledge and professionalism, both in and out of the courtroom. His expertise helped me to understand the legal process. As a victim of domestic violence, I looked to Mr. Wolf to assist me in obtaining a restraining order. His compassion combined with skill helped me to feel safe again.  I reached a positive outcome in my case and felt informed, confident, and cared for with Mr. Wolf in my corner.

— Karen

Look No Further – Jeff is the Best

I was falsely accused of a crime with serious consequences, was very depressed and got even more depressed and frustrated as I was interviewing attorneys to defend me. They had a broad spectrum of approaches and some were ready to head to trial immediately as it seemed they were primarily interested in battles and my money rather than my best interests. The first one was extremely arrogant and rushed to get me off the phone. My court appearance date was approaching and I was ready to give up when I came across Jeffrey’s website. I read he had once also been falsely accused which motivated him to become an attorney. After further reading, his philosophy appealed to me so I set up a free session.

I met with Jeffrey and told him what happened. He explained the alleged crime and potential consequences and then spoke about himself and his approach. I spent more time than the “free time” allocated but was never rushed. He listened, believed me and was really genuine as I had not witnessed before with other attorneys.

By the time we finished talking, I felt respected and not disrespected as I found out with this accusation, you are guilty until proven innocent from most everyone’s perspective. I hired Jeff on the spot and when I left his office, I felt this big burden lifted off my shoulders as I knew I could trust him to do his best for me. I was finally able to sleep that night and after several weeks able to put this out of my mind as being the constant main focus.

If you are seeking a very knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring, honest and respectful attorney, Jeffrey fits the bill. He is a great listener and never rushed me even with a flat fee rate. He has a good rapport with the Court who also respectfully listens to him. He is well spoken in the courtroom. I have seen him in several cases reaching very good settlements for his clients. On my case, he provided me his opinion with his rationale as to how I should proceed but allowed me to then make a decision as to go to trial or take a plea bargain. He would fully support my decision either way. Jeff is very good in providing the pros and cons, risks, and potential scenarios that may play out. My case will be dismissed shortly and record sealed as a result of Jeff’s hard work, negotiations, poking holes in the accuser’s story pre-trial, and dedication to my satisfactory case resolution. If you want the best, look no further as you have found him. Thank you Jeff!

— David C.

Excellent Attorney

We hired Jeff to take over my son’s case after our first attorney (from another firm) showed up to his first court date late, looking homeless, and worst of all, having absolutely no knowledge of the case. We hired Jeff who did an excellent job explaining the process and how to get the outcomes we were fighting for. My son was facing years in Jail and a class 2 felony on his record as a teenager. He was able to plead the case down to a deferred sentence with no jail time and in record time. The entire process took a little over 6 weeks. When we went to court for my son to accept his sentence, I could tell that a big reason Jeff gets the outcomes he does is due to his professionalism and good working relationships with his colleagues in the Justice system. Thank you, Jeff. I got my first good night’s sleep in a long time last night. I will be forever grateful to you. Thank you so much for helping my son keep his future in his control.

— D

DUI Charge Reduced to Reckless Driving

I approached Mr. Wolf due to a first-time DUI charge. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional throughout every step of the legal process. As a result of his diligence in court, the charges against me were reduced to reckless driving. I would recommend Mr. Wolf’s services to my friends and family.

— Gina

Very confident and competent attorney! I am very happy with Jeff

I contacted Jeff Wolf after I had some family issues that also carried potential criminal charges. I spoke with him as soon as i realized how severe the situation could be and he offered great legal advice that lead to me bringing him on as my personal attorney. The charges against me were dropped and I never had to go to trial but throughput the entire process Jeff was in touch and taking care of everything I needed. I am very happy with his services and would certainly work with him again if I was in the situation.

— Daniel E.

A Man of Passionate Action!

Colorado Law had recently passed a law, that would help me in the messy situation I was in. I knew immediately I had to find a lawyer to discuss the situation and the circumstances surrounding the process, and eligibility requirements for my specific case. I have to admit, I was very nervous reaching out to any lawyers who could help me.

So I did my research to the best of my ability, and having questions to ask to confirm I was making the right choice in a lawyer. A friend of mine who had previously worked with Mr. Wolf, had strongly recommended that I contact him. I am very grateful that I had! He was very respectful, and had a obvious passion to help me, asking specific questions surrounding my situation so that we can both deal with the issue at hand. Talking me through the processes and possible outcomes, straight forward. No sugar coating, which is nice because I value honesty.

Throughout the whole process, I was comfortable, and very trusting, as questions were answered accurately and after I tried contacting him with new questions or comments, he would return my call or email within 24 Hours! That showed me that he cared and was on top of his workload.

Nonetheless, the outcome of my case worked really well for me, and was a success. And for that, I want to show my gratitude.

Thank You Mr. Wolf for being on my side! I strongly recommend to anyone looking for a well competent lawyer, to contact Jeffrey Wolf at Wolf Law!

— Erwin H.

Grateful for Wolf Law

I had misdemeanor from when I was 19 years old that was keeping me from just renting an apartment because of its classification. I contacted Wolf law to get assistance with seal this 17-year-old case so I could secure an apt without fear of rejection. I was put in touch with Cassandra very promptly. She advised me and told me that I would have to seal the record in order to just have peace of mind as there is no statute of limitations on my situation. She explained the process very thoroughly and answered any questions I had. She was very kind during the whole process which ended up taking some time to get it taken care of. She kept me informed every step of the way. She kept great care to send me documents by mail and email. Cassandra was just fantastic to work with and I am so grateful to have closure from a mistake I was a young adult. If I every need a lawyer again (hopefully not of course) I would definitely contact Wolf law again for help. Thank you so much for helping me!

— Sasha