Internet Luring of a Child is a crime that occurs when a person sends sexual material electronically to someone under the age of 15 and arranges to meet in person. With smartphone use at an all-time high, more and more people are facing charges. An Air Force Academy professor was recently arrested on a charge of internet luring of a child and is currently being held without bond. Law enforcement is quick to charge this offense, even if an in-person meeting never took place. Representation from a skilled internet luring of a child attorney is crucial if you or someone you know is facing accusations or charges.
What is Internet Luring of a Child in Denver?
C.R.S. 18-3-306 describes the conduct of Internet Luring of a Child in Colorado. Someone commits this crime when they:
- knowingly communicate over a computer, computer network, telephone network, data network, text message, or instant message,
- with a minor that is or believed to be under the age of 15 (and the actor is 4 years older),
- describing explicit sexual behavior such as intercourse, fondling, nudity, masturbation, or sadomasochism,
- and persuade or invite to meet in person
Police officers can sometimes pretend to be a child on the other end of the messages and attempt to establish each item above. It is important to note that the meeting doesn’t need to take place, but simply be suggested or arranged for charges to ensue.
Sentencing for Internet Luring of a Child in Denver
The punishments for sex offenses in Colorado are severe. Conviction of Internet Luring of a Child is a class 5 felony, potentially resulting in 1 – 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. However, if it can be proven that the purpose of the in-person meeting was for sexual exploitation, a class 4 felony applies. Possible consequences include 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and a fine of $2,000 – $500,000. Additionally, a defendant can face sex offender registration, treatment, and intensive supervised probation. These consequences are immobilizing, costly, and can quickly eradicate a person’s reputation.
Denver Internet Luring of a Child Attorney
Internet luring of a child accusations and charges need to be handled with caution. Consulting a skilled criminal defense attorney early on is a crucial step. Vital evidence exists in many cases that needs to be preserved and analyzed carefully by an experienced lawyer. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing clients all across Colorado. Contact our office for a free consultation where we will hear your side and outline next steps.
If you or someone you know is facing internet luring of a child charges, be smart. Contact the highly rated defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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