Sexual Exploitation of a Child occurs in Douglas County, Colorado when someone possesses, produces, or distributes explicit material that involves a minor under the age of 18. Typically referred to as child pornography, this is a serious felony offense in Colorado and is prosecuted accordingly. A key element in this crime is the material existing for the purpose of someone’s sexual gratification. As with all Colorado sex crimes, representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney is particularly important if facing charges.
What is Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Douglas County?
C.R.S. 18-6-403 outlines the conditions of Colorado Sexual Exploitation of a Child. This offense occurs in Parker when someone:
- possesses explicit material showing a child under 18 participating in sexual acts, or
- contributes in any manner to making or distributing such material
Not only can manufacturing child pornography lead to this felony charge, but also suggesting or arranging for a minor to participate in production of such material. The explicit material described in sexual exploitation includes minors under 18 involved in:
- erotic fondling
- erotic nudity
- explicit sexual conduct
- masturbation
- sadomasochism
- sexual excitement
- intercourse
Consequences for Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Douglas County
Sexual Exploitation of a Child is punished especially harshly in Douglas County. First-time offenders that possessed small amounts of child porn face a class 5 felony which can include 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and also a fine of $1,000 – $100,000. A class 4 felony applies if it is a second or subsequent offense or the material consists of video, motion picture, recording, or broadcast of moving visual images. Sentencing can include 2 – 6 years in prison as well as a fine of $2,000 – $500,000. Finally, a class 3 felony applies if a defendant is found guilty of making or distributing child pornography. Consequences can include 4 – 12 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 – $750,000.
Additionally, conviction of Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Colorado includes:
- Colorado Sex Offender Registration
- Sex Offender Intensive Supervised Probation (SOISP)
- Treatment overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB)
Experience Criminal Defense for Sex Crimes
Charges of this magnitude can be especially overwhelming. Navigating sex offenses should be done with extreme caution in Douglas County. First, be sure not to provide any information or statements to police or investigators should they contact you. Simply exercise your right to remain silent. Second, contact an experienced sex crimes attorney for a free consultation. We will go through your unique situation and also advise next steps. Finally, trust that you’ve hired a criminal defense attorney who places your best possible outcome as the top priority.
If you or someone you know is facing a sexual exploitation of a child charge, be smart. Contact the expert defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
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