Sexually exploiting a child over the phone or computer is unlawful throughout the state of Colorado. Encouraging a young teen to touch themselves or another while communicating electronically is a felony sex offense with devastating ramifications. This crime can be committed using many of the electronic devices we use every day, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. There are, however, specific age parameters that must exist for charges to apply. Consult a strategic sex crimes attorney immediately if you're facing an internet sexual exploitation charge in Colorado.

Arapahoe County Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child Law

Arapahoe County's internet exploitation law prohibits electronically enticing a child to sexually touch themselves or others. CRS 18-3-405.4 defines the specific violations in CO. You commit this crime in Aurora, Centennial, or Littleton if you:

• knowingly entice or suggest through electronic communication,
• that a juvenile 14 or younger (and 4 or more years younger than you),
• expose or touch their intimate parts, touch the intimate parts of another, or watch you touch your private parts

Texting, emailing, or messaging sexual suggestions to young people are common examples of this sex offense. Additionally, video calls and webcams can catch older individuals trying to encourage youth to do things like masturbate. With device usage soaring, sending something suggestive to the wrong person can prove to be particularly costly.

Will You Go to Prison for Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child?

Each internet exploitation case is different. Therefore, the consequences for conviction are as well. Internet sexual exploitation of a child is a class 4 felony in Arapahoe County and throughout Colorado. Defendants in these cases face:

• up to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• a minimum fine of $2,000,
• sex offender treatment / evaluation,
• sex offender intensive supervised probation

Additionally, a conviction will require the defendant to register as a sex offender with local law enforcement. This public registry can often plague a person for years within their community, while looking for employment, and in gaining any trust with their neighbors.

Aurora Sex Crimes Attorney

An internet sexual exploitation charge requires swift, experienced representation from an especially skilled attorney. We encourage anyone facing an allegation of this magnitude to exercise their right to remain silent and request a call with a criminal lawyer.

Perhaps you weren't aware of the child's age or you didn't suggest any touching of intimate parts. That said, contact our law office for a free consultation. We will thoroughly analyze your unique case, as well as recommend next steps in your defense. With our affordable fees and flexible payment plans, help from a highly-rated defense attorney is a reality.

Don't talk to law enforcement about an internet sexual exploitation charge - talk to us. 303-830-0880

Photo by Julia M Cameron