Sexual Exploitation of a Child can be a difficult crime to fully understand in Colorado. Nonetheless, conviction of this offense has devastating consequences. The core of this offense centers around sexually exploitative material and minors. Age of the minor also has massive implications as to whether or not a crime has been committed. Either way, if you find yourself perhaps questioning something you sent to your teenage son's friend or distributed via your smartphone, contacting a seasoned sexual exploitation of a child lawyer is wise. A charge could be looming and you need to be prepared.

What is Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Colorado?

Sexual Exploitation of a Child – C.R.S. 18-6-403, is a charge that can stem from several different missteps. Police are quick to act if any of the following are true:

1. A person causes, induces, entices, or permits a child to participate in or be used for any explicit sexual conduct for the purpose of making sexually exploitative material, or for the purpose of producing a performance.
2. Someone takes part in preparing, making, selling, funding, or distributing child pornography.
3. A person is in possession / control of sexually exploitative material of a child.
4. An individual possesses and intends to deal, sell, or distribute child pornography.

While there are a great deal of fine lines here, crossing them is easier than you might think. Accidentally sending suggestive material to the wrong contact in your phone, emailing a picture or video that you maybe haven't fully looked over, or risque electronic communication with someone whose age is unknown can all lead to a debilitating charge.

Consequences for Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Colorado

Sex Offenses are punished harshly in Colorado. The following are all potential ramifications of conviction of Sexual Exploitation of a Child:

• class 3, 4, or 6 felony (depending on case specifics)
• years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (potentially indeterminate)
• Sex Offender Intensive Supervised Probation (SOISP)
• Treatment for Sex Offenders
• Sex Offender Registration (potentially lifetime)

Sentencing like this simply can't be handled without the council of an experienced sexual exploitation of a child lawyer. These punishments can alter your life in every way imaginable. In addition, those close to you can feel the brunt of the crime as well should they choose to even associate with you.

Sexual Exploitation of a Child Lawyer | Age Matters

An especially impactful detail exists in Colorado Law in reference to sexual conversations over messaging apps. Participating in sexual conversation via text with anyone 14 and younger is in fact a felony offense. However, these same conversations with a minor who is 15, 16, or 17 is legal as long as the exchange of pictures and video are not present. It is especially important to keep in mind that sending anything electronically that involves sexual material to a minor is very unwise. Law enforcement doesn't need much to begin a process that can ruin your reputation and place you in a societal box for the rest of your life.

If you or someone you know is facing Sexual Exploitation of a Child charges, be smart. Call the aggressive defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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