Asking or trying to convince a child 14 or younger to go somewhere secluded for sexual purposes is unlawful throughout Larimer County. This crime can be committed electronically via message or text, over the phone, or from a distance and involves an invitation to meet in-person. Serious charges can still come about even if the meeting itself never takes place. A key element of this sex offense is the intent to isolate a young person. If you or someone you know is facing an accusation of enticement of a child in Larimer County, consulting an experienced sex crime attorney is crucial.
Larimer County Child Enticement Law
Larimer County's child enticement law prohibits asking or convincing children to enter secluded locations. CRS 18-3-305 is the criminal code that addresses enticement of a child throughout Colorado. Someone commits this sex offense in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park if they:
- invite or persuade (or attempt to do so),
- someone under 15 years of age,
- to enter a building, room, vehicle, or secluded place,
- with the intent to have any sexual contact with the child
Whether the intent was to fondle or grope the minor or engage in intercourse, law enforcement is quick to charge. However, the intent in these situations isn't always sexual and misunderstandings can occur from time to time.
How Serious is Enticement of a Child in Fort Collins?
Child enticement is at minimum a class 4 felony throughout Larimer, Weld, and Boulder County. Defendants in these cases face steep penalties for a conviction. Those can include:
- a prison sentence of 2 – 6 years,
- fines of $2K – $500K,
- evaluation / treatment,
- sex offender registration for a minimum of 10 years
With a prior conviction for enticing a child or sexually assaulting a child or if injury occurs during the offense, the charge increases to a class 3 felony. This can double the period of incarceration, increase the fines amounts substantially, and include a minimum registration period of 20 years.
Larimer County Sex Crime Attorney
Messaging or texting someone under the age of 15 can go wrong quickly. However, just because you've been accused of enticing a child doesn't mean you're guilty. Our skilled criminal lawyers have decades of combined experience successfully navigating child enticement allegations and are prepared for your unique case. Perhaps the child arrived with no invitation, they weren't invited for a sexual purpose, or you were entrapped during a sting operation. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. These cases require careful analysis from one of our experienced attorneys. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing child sex crime allegations throughout Colorado.
So, don't talk to the police about enticement of a child – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-830-0880
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