In today's world, sharing messages and pictures digitally is a near constant occurrence.  In addition, teens with their first smartphone are perhaps at the greatest risk for making a mistake with these devices. Being pressured by a peer, wanting to fit in, or simply exploring are all landing youth in difficult situations. As a result, Juvenile Sex Crimes are on the rise in Colorado Springs and throughout Colorado. If your child or a minor you know is facing charges, you need the best Lawyer for Juvenile Sex Crimes in El Paso County.

Colorado Springs Sex Crimes Attorney | Common Charges

When it comes to sex offenses involving electronic communication via smartphones, the 3 most common charges are:

Internet Luring of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-306, Sexual Exploitation of a Child – C.R.S. 18-6-403, and Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-405.4

All three of these charges are complex. But something they all tend have in common is sexting. Sexual talk, suggestive teasing, or explicit or suggestive photos / videos communicated or exchanged via mobile phones can lead to damaging charges. Furthermore, this banter can include invitations for sex and nude photos. Even more, possessing sexually explicit images of children is illegal, and sharing them over a cell phone network or between devices is prohibited in El Paso County, even by minors.

Messaging Apps and Sex Charges in Colorado Springs

Your child can face sex crime charges even if they didn't send an explicit photo via a messaging app. Internet Luring can occur when a late teen communicates with a child under 15, discusses sexual behavior, and hints at meeting in person. As a result, your child can be 3 short steps away from committing a sex offense using their prized new smartphone. While most parents believe they have a good idea of what their child's digital relations look like, many harmful interactions slip through cracks.

Sting Operations in El Paso County, Colorado

Sting Operations can be common with juvenile sex offenses. Law enforcement officers in Colorado Springs can pose as young girls to catch minors who naively navigate their smart devices. These undercover officers try to engage in conversation online and via messaging. Gathering evidence and documenting the interaction, they try to seize the devices where the sexting occurred and arrest those involved.

Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer for Juvenile Sex Crimes in El Paso County

The ramifications of your child being convicted of juvenile sex crimes in El Paso County are severe. If they've been involved in sexting and their phone has been seized, they could face harsh consequences. Registering as a sex offender and treatment overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board can be incredibly impactful and limit their contact with siblings, loved ones, and peers.

If your child or a minor you know is facing a sex offense, be smart, exercise your child's right to remain silent and call the top rated attorneys at O'Malley and Sawyer at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your child's future.

Photo Credit: Pixabay – filmbetrachterin