If you have ever seen the popular show “Friends”, then you may remember a famous episode where Chandler Bing feels harassed by his boss who feels the need to good-naturedly slap his butt every so often to show his appreciate for all his hard work and humor. While this episode is hilarious, it is good to know that such “playful and harmless” behavior could result in charges of Unlawful Sexual Contact – C.R.S. 18-3-404 in Denver, Adams and Douglas County.

What is Unlawful Sexual Contact in Denver?

Unlawful Sexual (also referred to as Sexual Assault in the Third Degree) is charged when someone touches the rear, breasts, or pubic area of another person. If you are convicted of Unlawful Sexual Contact in Jefferson, Arapahoe or Larimer County, you will face jail or prison time, fines, probation and registration as a sex offender. This criminal offense is often charged after a person drinks a few too many cocktails at a bar and gets too close to someone on the dance floor. It can also be charged when a person's judgment is clouded while on medication or drugs. Unfortunately, the consequence for this seemingly small offense is life-changing.

Unlawful Sexual Contact: Misdemeanor or Felony

Usually, Unlawful Sexual Contact is a class 1 misdemeanor. But, if intimidation, threat or force is used in order to bring about the sexual contact, then it is charged as a class 4 felony. Unlawful Sexual Contact can also be charged as a felony when the contact occurs with a child under the age of eighteen. Usually, however, child sexual contact is charged as Sexual Assault on a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-405.

Sex Offender Registration and Deregistration in Denver

Whether you are charged with misdemeanor or felony Unlawful Sexual Contact in Denver, Aurora or Highlands Ranch, you will be required to register as a sex offender in Colorado and adhere to the strict rules of the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB). According to Colorado Statute, you will have to register for a minimum of ten years following your release from jail, or after you are done with probation. In order to stop registering, it is important that you hire an experienced criminal lawyer to Petition the Court to Deregister as a Sex Offender. It is important that you don't simply stop registering 10 years after your release from jail – if you don't petition the court, you will be charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender – C.R.S. 18-3-412.5, and you may be required to go back to jail.

Don't Let a Mistake Ruin Your Life

A momentary lapse of judgment in your workplace or at a bar can result in the loss of your job, difficulty finding a place to live, possible jail time and registration as a sex offender. Don't let your life be controlled by one mistake. We will be your advocate in court. We will fight to dismiss your case, or we will fight for the best outcome in your case, and will work so that you get the minimum fine, jail time, and probation, if any.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact or another sex offense in the Denver metro area, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.

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