• Speak with An Experienced Defense Attorney Today
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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.

Featured Blogs
  • Answers to 6 Common DUI Questions
  • Assault or Self-Defense?
  • happy hour to sober
  • breathalizer thumbnail
  • 4/20 safety
  • domestic violence cases
Certifications
Testimonials

Fantastic Law Firm – Take it From an Attorney

I have been an attorney for 18 years. I have seen Jeff Wolf in court handle a large variety of criminal defense and protection order matters with the highest degree of professionalism and effectiveness. Jeff is not only intelligent and incredibly timely and efficient, but also carries a wide scope of wisdom and experience; there is nothing he has not seen.

I know if I refer friends or clients to him, they will be in strong capable hands with an attorney who truly cares and is a great advisor. I have also seen Colleen Kelley in major felony hearings in court and she is a force to be reckoned with.

When I needed an attorney for my own legal situation, I retained Jeff and his firm. I witnessed first-hand how competent and reassuring Jeff and Collen are as attorneys and counselors, but from the perspective of a client. Superb attorneys, but also the best people. When I am unable to accept a criminal case, I often refer the potential client to the Wolf Law LLC.

— Anon, Esq.

Services with Jeff

Jeff accepted a traffic violation case with not a ton of time to prepare. He provided clear instructions on how to proceed with the initial hearing in order for this individual to receive an extension and time to gain attorney representation. From there, he continued take the extra steps necessary to not only communicate effectively and clearly but also provide a level of advocacy that was necessary for this vulnerable individual! Thanks Jeff — Your work, patience and understanding is greatly appreciated!

— Nicole Young

Exceptional Representation

I could not be happier related to the representation I received from Cassandra and her team. Outstanding expectation calibration, more important is her command and understanding of recent precedent setting case law…without that dexterity my case does not get dismissed. Cassandra is available, prepared and has healthy disdain for nonsense from prosecutors and/or judges. If you are in need of tenacious representation – I would highly recommend Cassandra!

— David Reynolds

Wolf Law Saved My Career

I’m a college student in a highly prestigious nursing school. After a night of drinking, my now ex-girlfriend and I got into a heated argument that landed me with domestic violence charges. I thought my career was over and the tens of thousands of dollars I spent on multiple years of school were all for nothing. However, Mr. Wolf was able to get two of my three charges dismissed altogether (one of them being the most serious) without us even walking into the courtroom. When we got to court, he was able to get me a deferred sentence–the best possible scenario. All in all, Wolf Law is hands-down the best in the Denver area. They are the reason I can still pursue my career goals.

— Blair

Professional, Thorough and Successful

Jeff handled my case with expertise and professionalism. He examined my case quickly and accurately then presented me with sound options and advice going forward. Very satisfied with the almost immediate responses to phone calls and emails. Pleased with the outcome Jeff was able to provide in my case.

— Charlie G.

Professional and Honest

I was worried about looking for a lawyer because I have never done so before, but Jeff Wolf made it super easy for me and I couldn’t have been more happy with his services. He called me anytime something happened with my case or needed anything from me. He got me out of a 10 day jail sentence which really helped me since I started school this week. Honestly it was nothing but a professional and honest experience.

— Robert A.

5 Stars

Was super helpful and always available anytime that I reached out. He was thorough and did everything that he could to help me out with my high BAC case. There isn’t a silver bullet out there and you likely won’t be lucky enough that somehow the charges go away, so your best bet is to sit with a consultation with Jeff and get your legal defense going ASAP as you work on the items that you can control (education/therapy/MADD panel) and let him handle the court items

— Casey

Cassandra Monahan

Cassandra has represented me several times. She has always been professional and effective. The outcomes were better than expected and communications and empathy were top-notch. I would highly recommend!

— Aaron Olson

The best in Colorado!

Mr. Jeff Wolf was a pleasure to work with. He did an excellent job representing my case. He walked me through the whole process answered all of my questions and concerns. I am very pleased as his client with his professionalism, attention to detail, communication, and most importantly the result he was able to achieve for my DUI case to be dropped. Definitely will be recommending Jeff Wolf Law to family and friends.

— M.Ramos

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.