Possession, distribution, and creation of child pornography in Colorado Springs are serious crimes with severe penalties. Questionable material on laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones can lead to time in prison, significant fines, strict supervision, and presence on the sex offender registry. The details of these images or video can make or break the case against a defendant, as law enforcement looks for any evidence of underage sexual behavior captured by a camera or other recording equipment. If you or someone you know is being accused of interaction with child pornography in El Paso County, contacting an experienced defense attorney is a must.
Colorado Springs Child Porn Laws
Colorado Springs’ child pornography laws prohibit having, sending, or making sexually explicit material involving underage minors. CRS 18-6-403 is the complex statute that defines child pornography crimes throughout El Paso, Pueblo, and Teller County. Police will pursue charges if they believe you:
- knowingly possessed images or video showing someone under 18 engaging in sexual acts,
- or contributed in any way to distributing or making these materials
A wide range of behaviors captured from groping and fondling to oral, vaginal, and anal sex can be considered child pornography. As young people reach their mid to late teens, it can be very difficult to discern whether they’re 18 or older in an explicit image or video.
What’s the Punishment for Child Pornography in El Paso County?
Each sexual exploitation of a child case in Colorado is different. Significant factors when it comes to penalties include the type of material, the quantity, and if they were sent elsewhere. A conviction in El Paso, Teller, or Pueblo County can lead to:
- a prison sentence of 1 – 12 years,
- fines of $1K – $750K,
- sex offender registration,
- treatment / evaluation,
- sex offender intensive supervised probation
The period of time a defendant must register as a sex offender can be decades, if not the remainder of their life. Strict supervision after incarceration creates several additional costs, as well as restrictions on where you live, who you can interact with, and places you can go.
Colorado Springs Sex Crime Attorney
When it comes to allegations of child pornography in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Canon City, experienced representation is critical to a defendant’s future. Prosecutors often aim for especially lengthy punishment to appear tough on crime and child predators. However, just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Perhaps you weren’t aware you were in possession of this pornography, the materials weren’t for anyone’s sexual gratification, or everyone depicted was 18 or older. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps in your defense.
Don’t talk to the police about child pornography accusations – talk to us. 719-377-3544
Photo by Daniel Putzer