Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification in Adams County, Colorado is a crime that involves taking pictures of someone's intimate body parts without their knowledge. Two key factors are that the picture(s) were taken somewhere the victim would have a reasonable expectation of privacy and the actions were for the purpose of sexual gratification. Now that nearly everyone has a device on them that can take pictures at all times (as well as distribute them), committing a sex offense is closer than one might think. Accusations or charges of invasion of privacy for sexual gratification require experienced representation from a particularly strategic sex crimes attorney.

Colorado's Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification Law

C.R.S. 18-3-405.6 describes the specific details of invasion of privacy for sexual gratification in Adams County. Someone commits this offense in Thornton, Northglenn, or Brighton if they:

• knowingly observe or take a photo (for the purpose of sexual gratification),
• of someone else's intimate parts without that person's consent,
• where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy

Intimate parts in this law refer to someone's genitals, anus, butt, pubes, or the breasts of a woman. Locations with a reasonable expectation of privacy can be debatable but most often include restrooms, locker rooms, and most rooms in your home or apartment. While having a nude photo of someone on your smartphone doesn't make you a criminal, its origin might.

How Long Can You Go to Jail for Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification in Colorado?

As a first-time offense, invasion of privacy for sexual gratification is a class 1 misdemeanor in Adams County. This sex offense is also an extraordinary risk crime, enhancing the maximum punishment. Conviction can result in:

• up to 18 months in county jail,
• fines of $500 – $5,000

However, if there are any prior convictions of unlawful sexual behavior or the victim is a child under 15 (and the defendant is 4 or more years older), this offense is a class 6 felony. Consequences in these scenarios can include:

• up to 24 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• fines of $1,000 – $100,000

Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification conviction also has other damaging punishments. Sex offender registration, supervised probation, and treatment are all especially isolating penalties that place severe restrictions on your life.

Adams County Sex Crimes Attorney

Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential when faced with any Colorado sex crime. Our skilled lawyers will look at the following in your unique case:

• strength of the district attorney's case for jury trial,
• strength of the police investigation,
• any bias of the witnesses,
• less severe charges that would satisfy the government,
• a lesser charge we can present to the jury,
• our client's work requirements with a plea agreement,
• witnesses that might benefit our side of the case

Perhaps you didn't take the photo in your possession or the alleged victim didn't have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation with Adams County's best criminal defense attorneys. We will carefully analyze your situation, as well as suggest next steps.

So, if you or someone you know is facing invasion of privacy for sexual gratification charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the experienced attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by Wes Powers