Often, when the public hears about someone being arrested for a sex offense, they think that person must be an outcast or “pervert.” Unfortunately, what most people don't realize, is that people who are charged with serious sex crimes in Douglas, Adams, and El Paso County didn't just wake up one day and decide to commit a crime. When it comes to sexual offenses, the symptoms and desires creep up until a crime is committed. This happens to good people who make mistakes and allow sin in their lives. This happens to people we tend to respect – people like teachers, pastors, and police officers in Arapahoe, Denver, and Boulder County. Let's look at a recent case where a former cop was arrested for Internet Luring charges.

Many People Commit Sex Crimes: Even Former Cops

Earlier this year, a man was arrested and charged with Internet Luring of a Child and Attempted Sexual Assault of a Child in Jefferson County. He wasn't a homeless man, or creepy cult leader. In fact, he was a former cop from Denver. According to news reports, the man was driving from Colorado Springs to Littleton to have a sexual encounter with a person he thought was a teenaged girl (who was really a District Attorney technician posing in a sting operation). He was charged with two sex offenses. Let's look at each one and why he was charged:

• Internet Luring of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-306

Internet Luring of a Child is charged whenever a person communicates with a person under the age of 15 (or who they believe is under the age of 15) online or over the phone, and discuss “explicit sexual conduct.” They must also suggest a meeting for any purpose in order to be charged. According to the news, the man first sent a message to who he thought was a young teenager, but in reality was a trained technician working for the DA. The conversation turned sexual, and the former cop suggested the two meet. The communication and suggestion met all the requirements for an Internet Luring charge.

• Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-405

Sexual Assault on a Child is charged whenever a person 4 years older has any sexual contact with a child younger than the age of 15. Because the former cop was driving to meet who he thought was a young girl, he was charged with Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child. This is because, while he didn't actually commit the crime of Sexual Assault, he took a “substantial step toward the commission of the offense.”

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Sex Offense Charge

We need to change the public perception of sex offenders. Not all sex offenders are horrible people. Some have been falsely convicted. Others made a small mistake and are being punished for a lifetime. Others slowly got embroiled in sin and committed a sex crime. Whatever the situation, reacting out of fear and disgust will help no one. It won't help the innocent, and it won't help people who need treatment for a sexual distortion. Here at the O'Malley Law Office, we believe it is important for a just society to fight for the rights and freedoms of every person. But, the criminal justice system is harsh on sex offenders – they don't have compassion. This is why you need to work with an honest, understanding, and passionate criminal defense lawyer if you or a family member or friend is facing a sex crime charge. We fight to win.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex offense, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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