Electronic communication to a juvenile that is sexual in nature can lead to significant criminal charges in Adams County, Colorado. Texting, chatting, and emailing sexual content with an invitation to meet is unlawful throughout Colorado when the recipient is under the age of 15. If the sender is more than 4 years older, law enforcement often charges internet luring of a child. Allegations of texting an underage minor requires skilled representation from an experienced internet luring lawyer.
Adams County Internet Luring of a Child
Adams County’s internet luring law prohibits inappropriate electronic communication with children. C.R.S. 18-3-306 defines the specific violations throughout the state of Colorado. You commit internet luring in Thornton, Brighton, or Commerce City if you:
- knowingly communicate via smartphone, tablet, or computer,
- descriptions of explicit sexual conduct,
- to someone 14 or younger and are more than 4 years older,
- AND try to arrange to meet in person
Explicit sexual conduct covers a lot of behaviors including intercourse, fondling, nudity, masturbation, and even arousal. This crime grows in severity when images are sent / received alongside the descriptions, potentially resulting in a sexual exploitation of a child charge.
Internet Luring Sentencing in Adams County
Each internet luring of a child case is different. Therefore, the ramifications of conviction are as well. Internet luring is a class 5 felony in some situations. Conviction can result in:
- up to 3 years in DOC,
- minimum fine of $2k
However, if the purpose for meeting in person with the young teen was to sexually exploit them in some way, a class 4 felony applies. This element can double the prison sentence and send the fine amount into the six-figure range. Additionally, internet luring can result in sex offender registration, treatment / evlauation, and sex offender intensive supervised probation after release from incarceration.
Attorney for Communicating Electronically with a Child
With constant access to electronic devices, internet luring charges occur more often than many might think. Sending something even remotely suggestive to an underage person can end with police at your doorstep with a warrant for your arrest. If this happens, don’t panic or try to explain yourself. Exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney. Perhaps you didn’t describe sexual behavior or the young teen didn’t understand your intent. That said, contact our practice for a free consultation. We offer same-day jail visits and affordable fees for those facing internet sex crime allegations throulghout Colorado.
If you or someone you know has been charged with internet luring, be smart. Contact the strategic criminal lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Eddie Billard