Child enticement in Aurora, Colorado is a crime that involves inviting someone under the age of 15 somewhere for sexual purposes. Regardless of whether the child is aware of the intentions behind the invitation, charges often follow if an adult agrees to or tries to setup an in-person interaction. Chatting back and forth electronically with minors is risky, especially when the other person is 14 or younger. Whether caught in a sting operation or facing an accusation of enticing a child, reach out to an experienced sex crimes attorney as soon as possible.
Elements of Enticement of a Child in Colorado
Colorado’s enticement of a child law prohibits people from seeking sexual encounters with young teens and children. C.R.S. 18-3-305 defines the specific violations throughout our state. You commit this sex offense in Aurora, Centennial, or Englewood if you:
- invite or persuade a minor 14 or younger,
- to enter a building, room, vehicle, or any secluded location,
- intending to commit unlawful sexual contact or sexual assault upon the child
Alcohol can play a part in an offense like this when an adult starts texting or direct messaging while drunk. With lessened awareness, a back-and-forth conversation with a child (or police pretending to be a child) can go wrong quickly. This noncontact offense only requires the above elements, even if no touching ever occurs.
Is Enticement of a Child Always a Felony in Colorado?
Enticing a child is a class 4 felony if it’s a defendant’s first child sex crime. Potential penalties for conviction include:
- up to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- a minimum fine of $2,000,
- sex offender registration
There are scenarios, however, that elevate the crime to a class 3 felony. If the enticement results in bodily injury to the child or the defendant has a previous conviction of enticement or SAOC, the prison sentence can as much as double.
Aurora Sex Crimes Attorney
It isn’t uncommon for a young teenager to misinterpret something an adult says. While some cases are more obvious than others, our job as your defense attorney is to present your side of the situation. Any child sex crime allegation places your future and reputation in jeopardy. Our skilled defense attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience representing men and women accused of child sex crimes throughout Colorado. Perhaps the minor was actually 15+, they entered the location without invitation, or there was police misconduct. Nonetheless, contact our office today for a free consultation. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make skilled representation a reality for the accused.
If you or someone you know is facing enticement of a child charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly rated criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Jan Tinneberg