Internet luring of a child is a serious offense in Jefferson County, Colorado that can severely impact a defendant's future. Beyond a great deal of public shame and severed reputation, the legal ramifications of conviction can also drastically alter one's trajectory. This past winter, a Colorado man was arrested for internet luring two months after being released on bond for a similar offense. After sending nude photos of himself to who he thought was a 14 year old girl, the man agreed to meet in person and was met by local police as part of a sting operation. Anyone facing sex crime charges of this magnitude should seek expert representation from an internet luring of a child attorney at once.

Internet Luring of a Child Colorado

C.R.S. 18-3-306 defines the conduct of child luring over the internet in Lakewood, Littleton, and Golden. A person commits this sex offense when each of the following occurs:

• electronically communicate sexual content,
• to a child under the age of 15,
• are 4 or more years older than the child,
• and try to meet in person with the child for any reason

It is also important to note that it isn't necessary that the meeting in person ever take place for a charge to result. Additionally, undercover officers use mobile messaging apps pretending to be minors under the age of 15. They often communicate and bait those on the other end into establishing the criteria for an arrest. Sadly, some men and women end up communicating things they otherwise wouldn't have and now face significant criminal charges. We highly recommend that people never share or send things sexual in nature electronically as it is sometimes difficult to know exactly who is on the receiving end.

Can You Go to Jail for Luring a Child Over the Internet?

The punishments for internet luring of a child are steep throughout the state of Colorado. Luring a child over the internet is usually a class 5 felony in Jefferson County. Potential consequences can include 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, as well as fines of $1,000 – $100,000. If it can be proven that a defendant lured a child under 15 with the intent to engage in sexual exploitation, a class 4 felony applies. Increased punishments of 2 – 6 years in prison and also fines of up to $500,000 are a possibility.

This sex offense is also punished via sex offender registration, treatment overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board, and sex offender intensive supervised probation. After completing a term of incarceration, these elements can greatly diminish someone's quality of life. Complete loss of privacy, mental reprogramming, and strict limitations on whereabouts are just some of the particularly immobilizing factors of these consequences.

Expert Criminal Defense for Sex Crimes in Jefferson County, Colorado

In situations like this, an experienced internet luring of a child attorney is especially paramount. Our sex crimes attorneys have over a decade of combined experience representing clients charged with sex offenses throughout Colorado. We have the knowledge, skill, and resources to build a particularly strong defense on your behalf. We've successfully navigated numerous sex crimes and our results speak for themselves. Don't try to represent yourself or accept a bad plea deal just to avoid certain consequences. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you today.

If you or someone you know is facing internet luring of a child charges, be smart. Contact the strategic criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo Credit: Pexels – Alok Sharma