Sexual assault on a child in Denver, Cherry Creek, and Montbello is an especially serious accusation. Allegations that you sexually touched someone under 15, or had them touch you, can lead to lengthy, harsh penalties. While some of these cases do involve child molestation, some include relationships where a young teenager is dating someone 4+ years older. As a felony sex offense, SAOC convictions can include indeterminate sentencing, years in a Colorado prison, and other impactful consequences. If police have contacted you about inappropriate behavior with someone underage, contacting a Denver attorney for sexual assault on a child is a must.

Denver County Sexual Assault on a Child Law

Denver's child sex assault law prohibits sexual contact with an underage child. CRS 18-3-405 provides the definition of this offense throughout Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County. Police will pursue charges if they believe you:

• knowingly subjected someone 14 or younger (not your spouse),
• to any sexual contact,
• AND were four or more years older than the individual at the time

This includes touching a child's clothed or exposed private parts, or having the younger person touch your clothed or exposed private parts. The genital area, butt, and breasts are all considered intimate parts in the state of Colorado. Once the other person reaches the age of 15, Romeo and Juliet laws apply, unless the actor is in a position of trust to the juvenile. 

How Serious is Sexual Assault on a Child in Denver?

SAOC in Broomfield, Westminster, and Adams County is at minimum a class 4 felony. A conviction can lead to:

• a prison sentence of 2 - 6 years,
• fines of $2K - $500K,
• sex offender evaluation / treatment,
• strictly supervised probation,
• sex offender registration

However, if the contact happens more than once or threats or force occur, a class 3 felony applies. This can double the prison sentence, add to the fine amounts, and increase the period of strict supervision after incarceration. Those convicted of a sex offense in Colorado face many hurdles, including the stigma of the sex offender registry.

Leading Denver Attorney for Sexual Assault Charges

Consulting criminal lawyers with decades of combined experience navigating child sex crimes is essential when facing serious charges like these. Your future and reputation are at stake. However, just because you've been accused doesn't mean you're guilty. Perhaps the contact never happened, no one's intimate parts were touched, or it was an accident that didn't include acts of groping or fondling. Nevertheless, contact our office today for free, confidential consultation. We offer same-day jail visits for those in custody, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans.

Don't talk to the police about SAOC accusations - talk to us. 303-830-0880

Photo by Ron Lach