It’s never easy to have someone accuse you of a severe crime. However, some have more severe repercussions than others. Along with criminal punishments of jail or prison time, specific sex crimes can result in a person having to register as a sex offender under law. This label can significantly impact someone’s life, so it’s valuable to recognize what crimes can land you on this registry.
These are just a few of the crimes that can require you to register as a sex offender:
- Sexual assault
- Enticement of a child
- Internet luring of a child
- Unlawful sexual contact
- Sexual assault on a child
- Sexual assault on a child by someone in a position of trust
- Internet sexual exploitation of a child
- Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist
- Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification
- Human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude
- Incest
- Aggravated incest
- Sexual assault (10-year age difference)
Keep in mind, many of these charges have subsections that detail the crimes with greater specificity. Several other crimes not on this list may also require the charged individual to register as a sexual offender in Colorado. Below, we’ll detail some of the specifics regarding these crimes and explain why it’s vital to have a lawyer on your side.
Breaking Down the Charges
The list above contains generally broad terms, but they often encompass several citations and offenses that fall under specific categories. The actions within the broad charge don’t impact sex offender registration, but they do affect the criminal penalties you may experience. These are some of the specifics that you should know about:
- Sexual assault: This title encompasses several citations, including the several class 2, class 3, and the following class 4 felonies:
- Sexual intrusion or penetration by an actor who knows the victim is unable to consent to the action.
- Sexual intrusion by force and against the victim’s will
- Sexual intrusion or penetration by an actor who falsely offers medical service or treatment during services.
- Sexual intrusion or penetration by an actor when the victim is in the custody of law enforcement or in a hospital.
- Sexual intrusion or penetration is by an actor at least four years older than a victim who is younger than 15 years of age.
- Enticement of a child: Occurs when the actor invites, persuades, or attempts to invite or persuade a child under the age of 15 to commit unlawful sexual contact. The charge worsens if the actor has a previous history of unlawful sexual conduct.
- Internet luring of a child: Occurs when the actor communicates with a minor under the age of 15, describing sexual conduct or attempting to lure the child to meet for sexual conduct.
- Unlawful sexual contact: Occurs when the actor knows the victim doesn’t consent, they’re incapable of consenting, they’re helpless and cannot consent, is impaired by an intoxicant or drug, or when the actor has authority over the victim.
- Sexual assault on a child: Occurs when an actor commits any sexual conduct with someone under the age of 15 and they are at least four years older. The charge worsens when the sexual act caused harm and when the actor has a history of sexual offenses.
There are several actions that would require you to register as a sexual offender in the state of Colorado. This designation can significantly impact someone’s entire life. It not only impacts where a person can live, it can also impact employment, education opportunities, and more.
If someone wrongly accuses you of a sex crime, know that you need someone on your side to defend you throughout the process. Without a lawyer, your future is at significant risk with the possibility of years in prison and a lifetime on the sexual offender registry.
Hiring a Lawyer to Defend Your Rights
While sex crimes are a very serious issue, some individuals are falsely accused of one reason or another. When this happens, it can significantly impact your life, even when you are innocent. There’s a stigma associated with a sex crime, and defending your name, your rights, your future, and your freedom is of the utmost importance.
Working with a lawyer can help you along the way. While “innocent until proven guilty” is often touted in the criminal justice system, you still have to show that you are not guilty of the crime of which you are accused. Without the evidence to do so, you run the risk of a guilty verdict. It becomes critical to back yourself with legal counsel.
At Springer & Steinberg, P.C., we work to ensure our clients feel peace of mind throughout the process. We don’t guarantee results, but we can promise that we’ll work hard on your behalf to bring the truth to light. We know the impact you may experience if you are falsely accused of a sex crime, and we’ll stand in your corner to help you.
Our Denver sex crime attorneys go above and beyond to provide our clients with the highest level of service and care during a very stressful situation. We will be here to give you a voice and pursue a favorable resolution on your behalf. Trust us to learn about your situation, build a case on your behalf, and work to help you safeguard your future.