Internet luring of a child is a sex offense that can dramatically alter your life. Adults who communicate sexual content electronically to youth under the age of 15 and also try to meet in person can face crushing criminal charges. There are several specific elements to this offense that are sometimes strategically maneuvered by undercover police. While these sting operations can catch real child predators, other defendants are charged for communicating material they otherwise wouldn’t have sent. An allegation of sexual communication with a child in Colorado requires prompt action by consulting an experienced internet luring lawyer.
Douglas County Internet Luring Law
Douglas County’s internet luring law prohibits sexual electronic communication with children alongside any invitation to meet. C.R.S. 18-3-306 defines the specific violations throughout Colorado. You commit internet luring in Parker, Castle Rock, or Highlands Ranch if you:
- knowingly communicate explicit sexual conduct electronically,
- to someone 14 or younger (and you’re more than 4 years older),
- AND persuade or invite the child to meet in person
Texting or messaging descriptions of sexual acts or erotic behavior is risky in many settings. It’s difficult to know who may be on the receiving end or who might view the material. You may also send these items to the wrong number or account. Alcohol can also play a part in this offense. When adults get careless with their communication on devices after a night of lonely drinking, police may end up at their doorstep.
Internet Luring Sentencing in Colorado
Colorado counties punish those who commit sex offenses harshly. Internet luring is no different. When the communication and invitation to meet wasn’t for the purpose of sexually exploiting the child, a class 5 felony applies. This can result in:
- up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of $1,000 – $100,000
However, if the intent of luring over the internet was to sexually exploit the young teen, a class 4 felony applies. This can double the prison sentence, add to the fines, and requires the especially humiliating consequence of sex offender registration.
Douglas County Sex Crime Lawyer
Strategic representation is particularly crucial in cases of internet luring of a child. We highly recommend defendants not speak with law enforcement if they come to your residence or call. Politely exercise your right to remain silent and don’t give into their “we’ll make things easier on you” ploy. Instead, contact our office for a free consultation with an experienced internet luring lawyer. Our attorneys will carefully look over your unique case, as well as recommend next steps. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make skilled defense a reality for those accused.
So, if you or someone you’re close with is facing an internet luring charge in Colorado, be smart. Contact the results-driven defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
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