Internet luring of a child is a particularly complicated sex offense in Jefferson County, Colorado with strict penalties. Charges often stem from situations where an adult electronically exchanges sexual content with someone under the age of 15 and then agrees to meet in person. A local school bus driver was arrested for internet luring of a child this month after allegedly trying to meet with what he thought was a 14 year old girl for sex. After arriving at the agreed upon coffee shop, the man was met by undercover police. Consulting an expert internet luring lawyer is especially crucial for those facing accusations.

Internet Luring of a Child in Colorado

C.R.S. 18-3-306 describes the specific circumstances of internet luring of a child in Colorado. Key elements of this sex offense include:

• knowingly communicating explicit sexual conduct electronically,
• with a child known to be 14 or younger,
• while you are 4 or more years older than the minor,
• with persuasion or invitation to meet (for any purpose)

In many sting operations like the situation above, the undercover officer will patiently establish each of the criteria using a readily available app. They try to dupe whoever is on the other end of the conversation into exchanging material they may not typically share. In doing so, law enforcement's case strengthens. Walking this fine line of entrapment can sometimes help a defendant's case in situations where police have gone too far.

How Much Jail Time Do You Get for Internet Luring in Jeffco?

Conviction of internet luring of a child can mean significant fines, years in prison, and also sex offender registration. Internet luring is typically a class 5 felony in situations where an adult lures a child over the internet in Littleton, Lakewood, or Golden. Specific punishments can include 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, as well as fines of between $1,000 – $100,000. However, if the defendant was meeting with the child for the purpose of sexual exploitation, a class 4 felony applies. This can mean 2 – 6 years in prison and also amplified fines of $2,000 – $500,000.

Jefferson County Sex Crimes Attorney

More and more sex offenses are originating from the use of smartphone applications. What many people think are private conversations, messages, and photo sharing can rapidly turn into criminal charges. Always exercise caution when exchanging material electronically as you never know whose eyes might be on the other end. If police come asking questions, exercise your right to remain silent. Finally, consult an expert internet luring lawyer with experience defending clients charged with sex offenses. Schedule a free consultation with one of our highly rated criminal defense attorneys where we will outline next steps, as well as prioritize your best possible outcome.

If you or someone you know is facing an internet luring charge, be smart. Contact the determined defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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