Sex crimes are some of the most complicated and serious charges in Colorado. As far as penalties go, few crimes in Colorado carry penalties as severe as sex offenses. They are among the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in any given jurisdiction. Some of the more common sex offenses in Colorado include:
Sexual assault;
Sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust;
Unlawful sexual contact;
Internet sexual exploitation of a child;
Child pornography;
Internet pornography;
Indecent exposure;
Public indecency;
Sexual exploitation.
The two words "sex offender" causes a complicated and emotional reaction in many people, including prosecutors and juries. Those two words have the potential to ruin not only a person's reputation, but also, their life. We understand how to defend these kinds of charges and will help you achieve the best possible result for your case. If you have been accused of a sex offense in Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Berthoud, Lyons, Mead, Niwot, Longmont or Dacono, contact Merson Law Office today for a free consultation.
Sex Offender Registration
If you are convicted of a sex offense in Colorado, you will be required to register as a sex offender. The amount of time you are required to register as a sex offender and when you can petition the court to remove your name from the registry depends on the classification of the conviction.
Sex Offender Intensive Supervised Probation
Colorado law requires that any person that is convicted of a sex offense undergo sex offender intensive supervised probation. The standards and guidelines for treatment are promulgated by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board. Conditions of probation for sex offenders are among the strictest in the country. Some of the more common and limiting conditions effect:
Whether or not you are permitted to have contact with people under 18 (including your own children).
With whom you are allowed to live.
Where you are allowed to live.
Where you are allowed to work.
What you are allowed to do for work.
How and when you are allowed to access the internet.
How and when you are allowed into certain public areas.
Sometimes, a sex offender probation sentence can seem as restrictive as a prison sentence. It is very important that any person receiving a probation sentence on a sex offense have a full understanding of what they are signing up for before sentence is imposed.
What is an Indeterminate Sentence?
In Colorado, certain felony sex offenses require an "indeterminate" sentence. What this means is that the judge sets the "floor" of the sentence and it is up to either probation or the department of corrections to determine when you have been "rehabilitated" and the sentence should end. This is much different than a "determinate" sentence where the judge sets the "ceiling" of a sentence and a person is usually discharged from probation or parole long before the end date comes. The problem with indeterminate sentences is that historically, the state has been very reluctant to release people convicted of lower level indeterminate sex offenses. The statistics that show how frequently people are released can be viewed here. While these stats are slowly going up, it is clear that in many ways, a low level indeterminate sex offense can potentially care the same penalty as a lifetime prison sentence.
You Will Need An Experienced Advocate.
If you have been accused of a sex offense that carries some of the long lasting consequences mentioned above, your future is in jeopardy. Do not go into the fight without an experienced advocate. Choosing an experienced lawyer is the best decision you can make early on in your case. If you need representation in Longmont, Erie, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Berthoud, Niwot, Dacono or Lyons schedule a free consultation today, Contact The Merson Law Office at 970-219-2923 or 303-776-3511. Or fill out an intake form here.
Merson Law Office, LLC 636 Coffman, Suite 200 Longmont, Colorado 80501 (970) 219-2923 or (303) 776-3511 Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.