Complicity is a theory that Denver, Arapahoe and Douglas County DAs uses to charge a person with a crime, even though they may not have actually committed the crime. What does that mean? Well, the easiest way to describe it is with an example. A woman recently pled guilty to allowing men to have sex with her young daughters for money. She would be facing Pimping of a Child charges. The children allegedly told their grandmother what was going on, and the grandmother didn't report it or do anything to help the children. For situations like this in Colorado, the grandmother would be charged with Pimping of a Child under the Complicity theory. She, in essence, became responsible for the actions of the mother – even though she didn't actually benefit from or participate in the Pimping.

Arapahoe County Complicity Lawyer: Definition of Complicity in Douglas County

The Douglas and Arapahoe County, Colorado law definition of Complicity – C.R.S. 18-1-603 – is:

A person is legally accountable as principal for the behavior of another constituting a criminal offense if, with the intent to promote or facilitate the commission of the offense, he or she aids, abets, advises, or encourages the other person in planning or committing the offense.

Often, it is enough to just know about the offense and not report it. Lawmakers figure that by not stopping it, you are encouraging it. It's a scary thought, because you can literally become responsible for other's actions. We often see these types of cases when a parent does not report an outcry from their child, especially when it relates to an offense committed by the other parent or family member. Sometimes families want to try and handle things themselves, but with mandatory reporting it usually gets reported and any who knew about is liable to be charged.

Sentence for Complicity in Adams and Jefferson County

Complicity means you are being charged with the same crime as the person who actually committed the offense, which carries the same punishment. So, in the case above, the mother would be facing a class 3 felony for Pimping of a Child. The grandmother would also be charged with the class 3 felony sex offense for her Complicity with the crime.

If you or someone you love has been charged with Complicity related to a sex offense, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880 to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

Image Source: Pixabay-SCY