Internet luring is a sex offense in Jefferson County, Colorado that involves electronic sexual communication with someone under the age of 15. When the other person is 4 or more years older than the child and there is any mention of meeting in person, impactful criminal charges can follow. Earlier this month, five arrests were made in an undercover operation relating to internet luring of a child. Any accusations or charges tied to inappropriate online communication with a child requires help from an experienced internet luring attorney.
Important Things to Know About Internet Luring in Colorado
CRS 18-3-306 defines the complex elements of internet luring charges in Jefferson County. You commit this sex crime in Lakewood, Arvada, or Golden if you:
- knowingly communicate sexual material or descriptions electronically,
- with someone 14 or younger (and you’re 4 or more years older),
- AND make any statements suggesting meeting in person
It is important to note that even if the meeting doesn’t take place or the person you’ve been communicating with isn’t a child, internet luring charges can result. Undercover police stings such as these are carefully orchestrated. Police are skilled at knowing just what to exchange and when to do so. Once they’ve established the criteria they need, a warrant for your arrest can follow.
How Long Will I Go to Jail for Internet Luring in Lakewood?
The penalties for a conviction of internet luring in Colorado depend on a few different factors. On the lower end, internet luring is a class 5 felony and can result in 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines. However, if the child was lured for the purpose of sexual exploitation or sexual gratification, a class 4 felony applies. Punishment in these scenarios can include up to 6 years in prison and fines of $2,000 – $500,000. It isn’t uncommon for an additional charge of attempted sexual assault on a child to accompany internet luring as well.
Additionally, other penalties for internet luring exist including:
- sex offender registration,
- supervised probation,
- evaluation / treatment
Jefferson County Internet Sex Crimes Attorney
With the complexity of electronic communication in our day and age, what is shared and who is on the other end creates for some risky scenarios. Whether you’re being falsely accused, your communication was misunderstood, or culpability exists, turn to help from the strategic defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC. Contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled Colorado sex crimes attorney. We will carefully analyze your internet luring case and recommend next steps, all while prioritizing the best possible outcome.
If you or someone you know has been charged with internet luring in Colorado, be smart. Call the skilled defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Mirza Mustofa