Sexual assault in Jefferson County, Colorado can include several different unlawful behaviors. While acts of rape are a more obvious form of this sex crime, other actions taken when consent is in question can result in crippling criminal charges. Intoxication or unconsciousness automatically eliminate consent from the situation, making sex when drunk or asleep unlawful. Whatever the motivation for a nonconsensual sex allegation is, contacting a strategic sexual assault defense attorney is particularly crucial to your future.

Jefferson County Sexual Assault Law

Jefferson County's sexual assault law prohibits sexually penetrative acts that lack consent. C.R.S. 18-3-402 addresses these violations in Lakewood, Arvada, and Golden. Acts of oral, anal, and vaginal sex are unlawful when:

• it is against the victim's will,
• the victim is drunk, high, or mentally debilitated,
• or the victim is physically helpless

These parameters identify what nonconsensual means in terms of sex in Colorado. When sexual touching occurs that doesn't include consent, unlawful sexual contact applies. Being drunk or high has so many risks when it comes to intimacy. Mixed signals and acting on compromised impulse can lead to felony charges and sex offender registration, heightening the need for skilled representation.

Sexual Assault Ramifications for Defendants in Colorado

The presumption of guilt in sexual assault cases is immediate. Unfortunately, guilty until proven innocent is often the assumption. As a class 4 felony, sexual assault that didn't involve force or result in injury can lead to:

• up to 8 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• six-figure fines,
• evaluation / treatment,
• strict supervision after incarceration,
• sex offender registration

However, penalties increase when the situation involves force, threat, drugging, or a deadly weapon. Other consequences of sexual assault conviction include a permanent record, loss of gun rights, and potential deportation for noncitizens.

Jefferson County Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

While the consequences of sexual assault are steep, it is essential that defendants not panic when allegations arise. Trying to contact the alleged victim or explaining yourself to law enforcement is especially foolish. Secure an experienced sex crimes attorney and let us do the talking. Perhaps no intrusion or penetration occurred, the acts were consensual, or the other person's claims are based on regret. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing sex assault allegations throughout Colorado.

So, if you or someone close to you is facing a sex assault charge in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly rated defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by Nik Shuliahin