We see it often throughout Denver, Adams and Jefferson County: High school teachers who face sexual assault charges for acts committed with their students. This is a common occurrence in schools across the country. Obviously, there is something wrong with the system – there are far too many teachers being charged with crimes which put them behind bars for life. Something needs to change. Divorce, lack of parental involvement, and our sex-crazed culture have created an environment which is toxic and fill our prisons to capacity.

Sexual Assault Charges with Position of Trust Label

Recently in El Paso County, a high school teacher was charged with sexual assault involving a young woman in his classroom. Because of the student-teacher relationship, he has been charged with Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust – C.R.S. 18-3-405.3. According to the police report, the teacher first met the girl in his classroom. A few months later, he stopped by her job. Their relationship progressed slowly, and it turned sexual. Word got out about the relationship, and the teacher resigned, before being arrested and charged in Colorado Springs.  Situations just like this occur all throughout Colorado – in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Larimer County. These situations don't occur simply because “evil, sex offender” teachers are hired. The problem goes much deeper.

Divorce, Lack of Family Values, and a Sex-Crazed Culture

Our culture is a mess. Divorce is an everyday reality. Children are raised in broken homes without the parental guidance they need and crave. And, our society is based on sex and self-gratification. It should be no surprise to us that teachers and students having sexual relationships is becoming more common. A study from the Department of Education pinpointed the number of students who are sexually abused or sexually harassed by educators in America's schools. The number is shocking. The study found that almost 10% of all students in grades 8 to 11 reported sexual harassment or sexual assault which was unwanted from an educator. This level of abuse is astounding, and it doesn't take into consideration the students who failed to report misconduct, or students who participated willingly. At the same time, laws related to sex offenders have grown harsher. There are 41 times more people in prison serving life sentences than in 1998. Something is broken in our culture.

The Fate of a Teacher Convicted of a Sex Crime

If convicted, the 30-year-old Colorado Springs teacher will be sentenced for an indeterminate amount of time in prison or probation, and will undergo sex offender treatment overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board. When questioned about the relationship, the teacher admitted he “got too close” and made “judgment errors.” He was going through a divorce and went to the wrong person for comfort. The young woman with whom he had the relationship with will be viewed as the victim, even though she was a willing participant in the relationship. She was probably in need of an authoritative figure in her life, and led him on to fulfill her own needs. In a sex-crazed culture, kids are taught to look for love and fulfillment in all the wrong places. Whatever the case, situations just like this occur all over Colorado, and our prisons are overflowing.

Why You Need a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a sexual assault charge and you are in a position of trust, it is vital that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to begin work on your case. Colorado does not treat sex offenders lightly. One mistake on your part and you could go to prison for the rest of your life. Don't stand alone in court – have the best criminal defense lawyer by your side to defend your future.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex offense and you are a high school teacher or another person in a position of trust, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.

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