Enticement of a child charges can result from inviting a child under 15 somewhere with the intent of sexual behavior. This felony offense carries rather impactful ramifications that can drastically alter a defendant's life for decades. Earlier this summer, a local police department was looking for a child enticement suspect who allegedly offered a young boy money to take a ride in his van. Anyone accused of behaviors such as these should contact an enticement of a child defense attorney right away.

What is Enticement of a Child in Jefferson County?

C.R.S. 18-3-305 describes the conduct of enticement of a child in Lakewood, Littleton, Golden, and Arvada. Someone commits this sex offense if they:

• invite or persuade a child 14 or younger,
• to enter any vehicle, building, room, or other secluded place,
• with the intent to commit sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact upon the child

Alarmingly, any invitation made to a child under 15 may be enough to result in a child enticement charge. Inviting a child anywhere via phone, text, direct message, email, or chat can be enough to prove certain elements. Police stings aren't uncommon where an undercover officer generally pretends to be someone under 15 and engage in electronic communication. As a means of establishing specific criteria, they might state their age and also carefully suggest or arrange a location to meet. Enticement of a child has some similarities to other internet sex crimes such as internet luring of a child and internet sexual exploitation of a child.

Enticement of a Child Sentencing in Colorado

Child enticement is a class 4 felony in Colorado's counties. In situations of a first-time sex offense for a defendant, penalties can include:

• 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• fines of $2,000 – $500,000
• sex offender intensive supervised probation
• treatment
• sex offender registration

If the enticement results in bodily injury to the child or a defendant has a previous conviction of enticement or sexual assault, a class 3 felony applies. Beyond long periods of incarceration and particularly hefty fines, the consequences for many of Colorado's sex offenses are immobilizing and isolating. The restrictions in place can destroy marriages, families, and other meaningful relationships that are especially key in preventing recidivism. The constant monitoring of whereabouts, technology use, and interaction with others can also lead to poor mental health.

Best Sex Crime Attorneys in Jefferson County

When someone is facing the ramifications of a sex offense in Jefferson County, they need the best defense attorney by their side in court. Enticement charges are complex and subsequently require analysis from an experienced enticement of a child defense attorney. Specific facts matter and are also sometimes overlooked by law enforcement as they chase charges. Perhaps the child in your situation entered the location on their own or maybe they misunderstood your intent. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation where we will hear your side of the story and suggest next steps in forming a strong defense.

If you or someone you know has been accused of enticement of a child, be smart. Contact the top rated sex crimes attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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