Internet Luring Charges

Texting or messaging underage juveniles and trying to meet them in person can lead to internet luring charges in Adams County, Colorado. If the electronic communication describes just about anything sexual, police are quick to act. Sting operations are common. Undercover law enforcement is known to establish specific criteria in chat rooms or forums by stating an age and engaging with users. Other cases involve adults not exercising caution with what they send electronically and who they send it to. Consulting an experienced child sex crimes attorney is vital when allegations of internet luring are looming.

What is an Internet Luring Charge in Colorado?

Adams County's internet luring of a child law prohibits communicating sexual descriptions or conduct to children electronically. CRS 18-3-306 defines this sex offense in the state of Colorado. A person commits internet luring in Thornton, Commerce City, or Brighton if they:

• describe explicit sexual conduct to someone 14 or younger (and are 4 or more years older),
• over a computer, computer network, phone, data network, text message, or instant message,
• AND persuade or invite the child to meet you in person for any purpose

Explicit sexual conduct is a broad term covering descriptions of intercourse, fondling, nudity, masturbation, and arousal. Difference in age is a key element of this crime as the law protects some of this type of communication between teenagers and their close-in-age peers. However, once the four year age gap is established, particularly difficult criminal penalties can result.

How Bad is Internet Luring in Adams County?

Each internet luring case is different. Penalties aren't always the same for each defendant. As a class 5 felony, a conviction can lead to:

• up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• a minimum fine of $1,000,
• sex offender registration

However, in cases where the defendant tried to meet for the purpose of sexually exploiting the child or sexual contact, a class 4 felony applies. This can as much as double the prison sentence and substantially add to the fines.

Adams County Sex Crimes Attorney

Accusations of luring a child over the internet don't automatically make you guilty. You do, however, need strategic representation in these situations. We have decades of experience successfully representing clients throughout Colorado and our results speak for themselves. Perhaps you didn't know the other person was under 15, there weren't any descriptions of sexual behavior, or you were entrapped by police. That said, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will look over your unique case and recommend next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing sex crime charges throughout Colorado's Front Range.

If you or someone you know is facing internet luring allegations, don't panic. Contact the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Don't talk to the police - talk to us. 

 Photo by Jonas Leupe