Enticement of a child is an offense in Colorado that often occurs from messaging young teens. Inviting a child 14 or younger to meet in Boulder or Longmont for sexual contact is unlawful, even if no sexual contact occurs. Invitations themselves sometimes include a suggestion to meet in a house, apartment, or vehicle. Some of these cases involve misunderstandings and situations where a young person misconstrues an adult's intentions. If you're aware of an enticement allegation against you or someone you know in Boulder County, reaching out to a Boulder enticement of a child attorney is vital.

Colorado's Child Enticement Law

Colorado's child enticement law prohibits inviting those under 15 to a location with sexual intentions. CRS 18-3-305 defines the specific violations of enticement of a child in Boulder County. You commit this serious sex offense in Boulder, Longmont, or Louisville if you:

• invite or persuade (or attempt to do so),
• someone under 15 years of age,
• to enter a building, room, vehicle, or other secluded location,
• intending to commit unlawful sexual contact or sexual assault

Whether the child perceives your intent behind entering the location is irrelevant, as charges will still apply. These invitations can be done electronically on a smartphone, tablet, or computer or in-person. In some cases, a defendant is never in communication with a minor under 15 at all, but is instead communicating with undercover law enforcement. These sting operations aim to locate and prosecute those who might be looking to engage in sexual behavior with youth.

Will You Go to Prison for Enticing a Child in Colorado?

Enticement of a child is at minimum a class 4 felony in Boulder County. A conviction can result in:

• up to 6 years in DOC,
• a minimum fine of $2,000

However, defendants with a prior child sex crime conviction or situations where the enticement leads to injury can result in a class 3 felony. This can potentially double the prison sentence and significantly add to the fine amounts. Child enticement also results in especially restrictive penalties of evaluation / treatment, SOISP, and sex offender registration.

Consult a Boulder Enticement of a Child Attorney

Securing experienced representation early on is particularly essential in child enticement cases. It is important that defendants not speak with police or discuss their case with others, especially electronically. Instead, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will thoroughly analyze your case, as well as recommend next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing enticement allegations throughout Colorado.

Don't talk to police about enticement allegations - talk to us. 303-830-0880

Photo by Kamila Maciejewska