As I was reading the news this morning, I came across the term: “Peeping Tom.” I realized this phrase is commonly used in our society. But, most people don't understand the crime a Peeping Tom would be charged with in Adams, Douglas, and Denver County. In a more formal sense, this crime is Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification – C.R.S. 18-3-405.6. Let's look closer at this sex offense in order to better understand what a person charged can expect.

What Crime Would Peeping Toms be Charged With?

A person suspected of being a Peeping Tom would be charged with the crime of Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification. This crime is charged when a person:

“Knowingly observes or takes a photograph of another person's intimate parts without that person's consent, in a situation where the person observed or photographed has a reasonable expectation of privacy, for the purpose of the observer's own sexual gratification.”

In other words, if a person looks at or takes pictures of another person's intimate parts for the purpose of sexual arousal, without that person's permission, they will be charged with this sex offense in El Paso, Arapahoe, and Chaffee County.

Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification: A Sex Offense in Littleton and CO

Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification is a sex crime in Colorado. It is also considered to be an extraordinary risk crime.

– Extraordinary Risk Crime

In most situations, a person charged with Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification will face a class 1 misdemeanor. The extraordinary risk label means they could spend up to 2 years in a county jail. If the alleged victim in the case is under the age of fifteen or if the accused has a prior conviction of for any unlawful sexual behavior, they will be charged with a class 6 felony, and their charge is considered to be an extraordinary risk crime. They could face up to 2 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

– Sex Offense

Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification is a sex offense in Colorado. This means that a Peeping Tom conviction of this crime will be required to register as a sex offender and undergo sex offender treatment. Sex offender treatment is overseen by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), which is harsh and one-size-fits all.

Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification and Domestic Violence

Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification is often charged with the sentence-enhancer of Domestic Violence (DV). The DV label is added whenever a crime is committed between two people who are in, or have been in, an “intimate relationship.” We have seen cases where two people have a sexual relationship and one of them goes too far – taking photos without the other person's permission. Finally, Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification is also charged with Trespass or Burglary in many cases. This is because a stranger sometimes sneaks onto another person's property with the intent to observe them or take photos.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Peeping Tom Charges

If you have been charged with Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification, don't hesitate to contact an experienced sex crimes defense attorney to defend you in court. Even a misdemeanor conviction will have a negative impact on your life – especially because this crime is a sex offense. Sex offender treatment and registration is invasive. Don't plead guilty to avoid jail time – fight back and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court. We fight to win.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification in Centennial, Aurora, Greenwood Village, or anywhere in the Denver area, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

 Image courtesy of Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net