Enticement of a child is a serious crime in Douglas County, Colorado that involves inviting youth under 15 somewhere with sexual intentions. Sometimes committed electronically, conversations by phone, text, email, or chat that suggest a young teenager enter a location can lead to devastating criminal charges. Whether caught in a sting operation or facing an accusation of enticing a child, the best course of action is contacting a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Child Enticement in Colorado
Child enticement in the state of Colorado is defined in CRS 18-3-305. A person commits this sex offense in Parker, Highlands Ranch, or Castle Rock if they:
- persuade or invite (or attempt to do so),
- someone 14 or younger,
- to enter a vehicle, building, room, or secluded place,
- intending to commit unlawful sexual contact or sexual assault on the child
Sometimes wires get crossed or young teenagers entirely misunderstand certain invitations. Unfortunately, this can result in innocent people facing felony sex crime charges. A text to the wrong contact in your phone or letting a chat go too far can land you in prison and label you as a sex offender.
Consequences of Enticement of a Child in Douglas County
A child enticement conviction comes with some especially heavy consequences in Colorado. As a class 4 felony, possible penalties include:
- 2-6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- a fine range of $2,000 – $500,000,
- sex offender registration,
- costly supervision / treatment / evaluation
However, if bodily injury to the child occurs or you have a previous conviction involving a child sex crime, a class 3 felony applies. This can double the prison sentence and amplify the fines significantly. Life after incarceration can be particularly difficult in enticement cases. Restrictions on your behavior and whereabouts, as well as interaction with others can lead to a harmfully isolating lifestyle. Additionally, difficulties finding employment and adequate housing often result as well.
Douglas County Criminal Defense Attorney
Contacting a strategic defense attorney who shares concern regarding your future is vital in child enticement cases. Our skilled lawyers have decades of combined experience with especially complex sex cases throughout Colorado. Perhaps the child entered the location voluntarily, your communication was misunderstood, or entrapment applies. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will thoroughly analyze your enticement case and suggest next steps, as well as prioritize your best possible outcome.
So, if you or someone you know is facing an enticement of a child charge in Colorado, be smart. Contact the aggressive defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
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