In Denver, a child is unable to give sexual consent with an adult. There are only some circumstances, under Colorado's Romeo and Juliet laws, where a child can give sexual consent with a child or teen, depending on age ranges. In today's blog, we will discuss some of the circumstances criminal charges can be filed if a sexual relationship occurs between a child and an adult in Colorado.

Sexual Assault Lawyer in Arapahoe County | When a Child Cannot Give Sexual Consent

Sexual Assault, C.R.S. 18-3-402, charges will be filed in Arapahoe County under certain circumstances involving a sexual relationship between a child and an adult. Some ways Sexual Assault can be charged (when involving a child) are when an actor knowingly inflicts sexual intrusion or sexual penetration on a victim when the victim is less than fifteen years of age and the actor is at least four years older than the victim and is not the victim's spouse. Sexual Assault charges can also occur when an actor inflicts sexual intrusion or sexual penetration on a victim when the victim is at least fifteen years of age but less than seventeen years of age and the actor is at least ten years older than the victim and not the victim's spouse. Sexual Assault can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances involved.

Sexual Assault on a Child in Douglas County | When is Sexual Assault on a Child Charged?

If an adult has sexual contact with a child victim less than fifteen years of age, when the adult is at least four years older than the victim, Sexual Assault on a Child, C.R.S. 18-3-405, charges will be filed in Douglas County. If any force, threats or a pattern of sexual abuse are involved in the sexual assault involving a child, more severe felony charges will be filed. In many Sexual Assault on a Child cases, the older person isn't often aware of the younger person's age. Sometimes, in these cases, an affirmative defense can be used if a person reasonably believed a child was at least 18 years old or older and the child was in fact at least fifteen years old.

Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust in Jefferson County | When is Sexual Assault on a Child – Position of Trust Charged?

In Jefferson County, if an adult subjects a child less than eighteen years of age to any sexual contact when the actor is in a position of trust, Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust, C.R.S. 18-3-405.3, charges will be filed.  Depending on the age of the child victim and whether the offense is committed as part of a pattern of sexual abuse, Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust can be either a class 3 or class 4 felony.

Sexual Assault Attorney in Adams County | Call the BEST Sex Crimes Lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office if Facing Charges

There are many situations where a person in Adams County or anywhere else in Colorado may unexpectedly be facing charges of Sexual Assault involving a child. In some cases, a child may have made a false allegation of sexual assault against an older person in their life. In other cases, an adult may have thought a child was older than they actually were when they had a sexual relationship with them. If you are facing charges of Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault on a Child, or Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust in Colorado, contact the O'Malley Law Office right away. The expertise of the sex crimes criminal lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office is indispensable when it comes to fighting sexual assault charges involving a child.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime involving children anywhere in Colorado, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense lawyers at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.