Denver newspapers are filled everyday with stories of “alleged” cases of Sexual Assault on a Child (CRS 18-3-405), Indecent Exposure (CRS 18-7-302), Enticement of a Child (CRS 18-3-305), but very few of them are ever factually written or correctly reported. In addition, journalists in Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, or Jefferson County rarely, if ever, print retractions or follow up on acquittals to let the public know that the reputation of the supposed “suspect” was falsely attacked.
Media news sources are often hungry to give the public in Weld, Larimer, or Douglas County a scandalous story to sell newspapers. Television producers go to great lengths to increase the number of viewers in a certain time slot on TV and will report allegations with little or no factual basis. They will use “unnamed sources” or other unverified reports in stories about grisly crimes that permanently harm the reputation of the person they name as the suspect without any evidence.
As a viewing public, we should be aware of the tactics media sources use and question their “unbiased” viewpoints. Media sources sometimes use words like “allegedly,” “possible suspect,” or “suspicion” when referring to accusations that have not been proven. In our justice system, everyone should be seen innocent until proven guilty. We should not assume a person committed the crime they were charged with until they are convicted by a jury or they plead guilty to those charges. Often times, they are not portrayed by the general media as innocent.
The media also rarely ever follows up with certain reports. Recently, there was a story in which several Kent Denver students were under investigation for an alleged sexual assault. The news stations were all over it, but after a few months, the story fizzled out. Nothing was reported on it further, leaving the public to wonder and blame the high school students for a terrible crime that may or may not have been committed.
If you are approached by police on Sexual Assault charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
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