Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child charges in Adams County can result from electronic communication with someone under 15 that becomes sexual in nature. Anytime an adult uses the internet or messaging to encourage a child to inappropriately touch themselves or someone else, law enforcement can intervene. Just last week, a city councilor was arrested on charges of internet sexual exploitation of a child after he allegedly communicated inappropriately with what he thought was an underage minor. Accusations or charges of this nature should involve contacting an experienced internet sexual exploitation attorney as soon as possible.

What Can Lead to an Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child Charge in Colorado?

C.R.S. 18-3-405.4 describes the specific details of internet sexual exploitation of a child in Colorado. You commit this sex offense in Thornton, Westminster, or Commerce City if you:

• knowingly encourage a child under the age of 15 (and at least 4 years younger than you),
• to expose or touch their intimate parts, the intimate parts of another, or observe your intimate parts,
• while communicating electronically with you

It is important to be aware that electronic communication refers to interaction by any computer network or system, telephone network, data network, or by text / instant message. This means a great deal of any sexual discussions done on your smartphone can lead to trouble. Messaging apps and social media apps are often the medium where this criminal communication occurs in Adams County, Colorado.

Consequences of Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Adams County

Exploiting a child sexually online is a class 4 felony throughout the state of Colorado. Possible criminal penalties can include 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, as well as fines of $2,000 – $500,000. Additionally, a conviction of this sexual offense will require registering as a sex offender. Upon release from incarceration, a period of time on sex offender intensive supervised probation can occur as well. Alongside this, the state will require sex offender treatment which is an additional out-of-pocket cost to the defendant.

Internet sexual exploitation of a child is closely related to other offenses such as enticement of a child and as seen in the case above, internet luring of a child. It isn't uncommon for internet sex crimes to involve more than one charge. Prosecutors can use this tactic to intimidate a defendant into pleading guilty.

Adams County Internet Sex Crimes Attorney

The laws surrounding internet sex crimes in Colorado are especially complex and require expert analysis from an internet sexual exploitation attorney. We have decades of experience representing clients facing complicated felony charges throughout Colorado. This matters when mitigating with district attorneys who seek maximum punishment. Perhaps you didn't encourage the child to touch their intimate parts or there was some type of police misconduct. Nevertheless, contact our office today for a free initial consultation. Colorado's best internet sex crimes attorneys will carefully analyze your unique situation and suggest next steps in forming a strong defense on your behalf.

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

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Yura Fresh