Enticement of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-305, is a sex offense which is charged frequently as a result of police stings in Denver, Larimer and Jefferson County. For example, a 21-year-old man was arrested last year in Georgia after he responded to a Craigslist ad. According to police reports, the man arranged to meet an underage girl for sexual purposes. Enticement of a Child charges are serious in Colorado: this offense is subject to indeterminate sentencing, which results in years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

What is Enticement of a Child?

Enticement of a Child charges occur when a person “invites or persuades, or attempts to invite or persuade, a child under the age of fifteen years to enter any vehicle, building, room, or secluded place with the intent to commit sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact upon” a child. In other words, a person who suggests a meeting with a child for the purpose of sex will be in danger of being charged with a crime. As you can see in the statute, the meeting doesn't actually have to occur (“attempts to invite or persuade”).

Police Stings and Enticement of a Child Charges

Police stings are commonly used to catch child predators in Adams, Douglas and Arapahoe County. Cops pose as young teenagers in adult chat rooms and in online classifieds such as Craigslist. When they are approached by someone online, they subtly pretend to be children. In order to get a conviction, the police manipulate conversations in order to establish three things:

• Their target must make an invitation to meet;
• The purpose of the meeting must be for a sexual purpose;
• The police will mention during the conversation that they are under the age of fifteen;

Usually, police agree to the arrangements, and when the person shows up to the meeting, they are arrested.

What is the Sentence for this Sex Offense?

Enticement of a Child is either a class 4 or class 3 felony. It is more serious when the defendant has a previous conviction for Enticement, Sexual Assault on a child, or for the attempt to commit either of these offenses. It is also considered a class 3 felony when the child sustains bodily injury. No matter the severity of the offense, this crime is subject to Colorado's indeterminate sentencing. This means a judge will be unable to set an upper limit for a person's release from DOC. Any release depends on the Colorado Parole Board and completion of sex offender treatment overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB). Unfortunately, there is a shortage of treatment providers, so many sex offenders stay in prison for long periods of time.

Facing Enticement of a Child Charges? Don't Stand Alone in Court

If you have been charged with Enticement, don't hesitate to contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys to fight on your behalf. Don't stand alone in court. We have over 20 years of experience fighting the government and law enforcement agencies and we understand what they're looking for. We can create a strong defense.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Enticement of a Child, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.