All sex offender treatment is based on a no-cure philosophy and does not take any type of consideration for different variables and circumstances in each case. A Child Contact Assessment (CCA), formerly known as Parental Risk Assessment (PRA) is a prime example of a harsh sentencing provision which does not take into account any unique situations with a sexual offender in Denver, Arapahoe or Douglas County. The Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) has laid out many different standards and treatment guidelines for sexual offenders in CRS 16-11.7-103, and a Child Contact Assessment is explained along with many other harsh sentencing requirements.

What is the Purpose of the Child Contact Assessment in Colorado (CCA)?

A Child Contact Assessment takes place in order to estimate the potential risk that a convicted adult sex offender poses to his or her own children.  These can be performed prior to a plea, but are not seen as reliable before a conviction.

What Happens at a CCA Evaluaton?

Extensive evaluations and interviews will take place to assess your sexual history, personality, empathy, ability for attachment, and how your family functions. The assessment will involve:

• Personality Tests
• Sexual Interest Tests (which use the Abel Assessment, which measures your capacity for empathy and attachment abilities)
• Sexual History Polygraph Test
• Interviews with your Wife or Partner
• Interviews with your Children's Mother (if not your wife or partner)
• Interviews with your Children

The Problem with the CCA

The inherent problem with the CCA is that it operates under the guidelines of the SOMB, and it gives far too much power to therapists in Jefferson, Adams, and Larimer County.

The SOMB's Harsh Views on Sex Offenders

The SOMB utilizes extremely harsh and unrealistic procedures with sex offenders. They state in their guidelines that all sex offenders are “dangerous.” While this may be true about some offenders, it is most definitely not true about them all. They also state that sex offenders are “inherently covert, deceptive, and secretive.” Again, while this may be true about some sex offenders, as criminal lawyers, we have seen many people who have been convicted of sex offenses after being falsely accused, or caught in a sting operation. These are good people, who aren't always “dangerous.” These beliefs limit the SOMB's ability to rehabilitate and reintegrate people back into society because they aren't looking objectively at each unique person.

Therapists Have Complete Control

Unfortunately, therapists have a lot of control when it comes to contact with your children. A common sense judge might order that a man who was caught in a sting operation (which didn't involve an actual child), is able to see his own child after successfully completing a CCA. A therapist might not view the judge's ruling favorably, however, and is often able to make the contact with a child unbearable. This can be done by using the SOMB guidelines and making the visits difficult.

Why You Need a Top Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been contacted by Highlands Ranch, Aurora, or Lone Tree police regarding a sex crime against a child, it is very important to work with an experienced criminal lawyer. A sex offense conviction could have a negative impact on your future. You could lose contact with your own children. Don't put your life and the future of your family into the hands of an inexperienced lawyer or an overworked public defender. Contact an attorney who can create a strong defense on your behalf.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime in Colorado, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 3030-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.

Image Courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net