A sexual assault on a child charge in Greeley, Colorado is an extremely serious situation. If you're being accused of groping or fondling a child, law enforcement and prosecutors aim to make an example of your case and punish as harshly as possible. However, some of these cases involve more than many think and the rapid presumption of guilt isn't always warranted. Allegations of having sexual contact with someone under the age of 15 requires securing skilled representation early on. The strategic Weld County sex crime lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group have decades of combined experience navigating these charges and are prepared for your unique case.

Weld County Child Sex Assault Law 

Weld County's child sex assault law prohibits touching a young person's intimate parts. This law protects consensual sexual touching between young people and their peers, but not beyond a three year age gap. CRS 18-3-405 defines the elements of sexual assault on a child in Greeley, Windsor, and Evans. Police will pursue charges if they believe you:

• knowingly subjected someone 14 or younger (not your spouse),
• to sexual contact,
• AND were 4 or more years older than the child when the incident(s) occurred

Sexual contact itself can mean touching clothed or exposed genitals, the perineum, anus, butt, or breast(s). This not only applies to touching the child's private parts, but also having the child touch yours. These acts done for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse can lead to especially costly penalties.

How Serious is Sexual Assault on a Child in Weld County?

Sexual assault on a child (SAOC) is at minimum a class 4 felony in Greeley, Windsor, and Evans. In cases where the touching didn't occur more than once and there were no threats or force used, a conviction can lead to:

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

The incarceration period and fines can grow significantly from there if a pattern of sexual abuse (multiple times) occurred or threats or force were used. SAOC cases can also include aspects of indeterminate sentencing, which may punish a defendant for the remainder of their life.

Greeley Sex Offense Lawyer

When someone is facing allegations of molesting a child, panic often sets in. It is essential that defendants proceed carefully and contact a sex offense lawyer first. Just because an accusation exits, doesn't mean you're guilty. Consult an attorney you can trust with your future. Our reviews and case results speak for themselves.

Perhaps the young person is fabricating what happened, the touching didn't involve intimate parts, or gratification or arousal weren't the intent. Nonetheless, your future is at stake. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. Our defense attorneys can speak with you or a loved one over the phone immediately, 24/7 or set up a time to meet and discuss your case. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make determined representation a reality for those facing sex crime charges in Weld, Larimer, and Morgan County.

Don't talk to the police about sexual assault on a child charges - talk to us. 303-830-0880

Photo by Valeriia Miller