Much attention has been given to Colorado sex offenders, especially those who were convicted of Sexual Assault on a Child (CRS 18-3-405), Incest (CRS 18-6-302), or Sexual Exploitation of a Child (CRS 18-6-403), with the recent disappearance and murder of Jessica Ridgeway. It is causing police to reassess the freedoms of registered sex offenders in Denver, Arapahoe, and Adams County. No doubt, this case will continue to cause fear and paranoia among parents in the Colorado communities of Littleton, Aurora, and Lakewood. Sex offenders living in any part of the Denver-Metro area will face more scrutiny than ever before.

With the heightened attention to registered sex offenders, police will give greater scrutiny to those individuals who have failed to register as a sex offender. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (CRS 18-3-412.5) is a felony sex crime in Colorado. The process is complicated by moves between state and different and regulations from state to state. The Denver County District Attorney admitted that it is hard for law enforcement in Douglas, Larimer, or Weld County to keep up with sex offenders that move into Colorado from another state. The government of the previous state is responsible to alert the new state of a sex offender moving into their jurisdiction. However, communication between the two state governments is not always good, and sometimes offenders fall through the cracks.

Many well-intentioned people may not realize the differences among the laws that govern each individual state. Others may not have a permanent address they can register. Still more may be afraid of the stigma and possible violence toward their family if they register. As a result, this well intentioned law often causes more problems than it solves.

If you are worried you may be contacted by police for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender or some other sexual offense, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.