The criminal invasion of privacy law in Jefferson County, Colorado makes it unlawful for someone to take pictures of another person's intimate parts without consent. Viewing a neighbor undress in their bathroom or taking out a smartphone to photograph someone in the gym locker room can lead to especially impactful criminal charges. Because there are so many different locations where a person might expect and have a right to their privacy, violations of this law aren't uncommon. Any accusation or charge surrounding criminal invasion of privacy should lead to contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

What's Criminal Invasion of Privacy in Colorado?

C.R.S. 18-7-801 defines the specific elements of criminal invasion of privacy throughout the state of Colorado. Someone commits this offense in Lakewood, Arvada, or Golden if they:

• knowingly observe or take a photograph,
• of someone's intimate parts,
• without that person's consent

An especially key factor in these cases is that the person who is being watched or photographed has a practical expectation of privacy at the time of the offense. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and dressing rooms are locations where a reasonable expectation of privacy likely exists. We sometimes see this crime charged when a person places a recording device in one of the above locations, continually obtaining footage of those who change clothes there or go about other private matters.

Can You Go to Jail for Criminal Invasion of Privacy in Jefferson County?

Invading someone's privacy by observing them or taking pictures of their intimate parts is a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado. Possible penalties for conviction in Golden can include:

• 3 – 12 months in county jail,
• and / or fines of up to $1,000

However, this offense is often overcharged as invasion of privacy for sexual gratification. This is a class 1 misdemeanor and an extraordinary risk crime. The difference in these situations is that the intent of observing or photographing is sexual in nature. Additionally, a conviction of invasion of privacy results in the requirement to register as a sex offender and is a felony if the defendant has a previous conviction for a similar offense or the pictures were taken of someone 14 or younger.

Jefferson County Criminal Defense

A violation of Colorado's criminal invasion of privacy law is a particularly serious matter. The potential jail time, significant fines, and also possible sex offender registration are all reasons to consult an experienced attorney right away. Perhaps your observation was an accident and didn't include sexual intent. Or maybe the person in the pictures didn't have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Nevertheless, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation. Our defense lawyers will carefully look over your invasion of privacy case, as well as suggest next steps.

If you or someone you know is facing invasion of privacy charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the skillful criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Joshua Rawson-Harris