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In Adams and Denver County, and across Colorado, sex crimes are treated harshly and sometimes unjustly. In many cases, people lose hope for their lives ahead when facing sex crime charges. As experienced sex crime defense lawyers in Denver, we empathize with those who have been charged with a sex crime and fight for better outcomes in their cases. One of those outcomes could be in the form of a plea bargain, which minimizes harmful consequences. In today's blog, we'll discuss plea bargains in more detail.

What is a Plea Bargain in Colorado?

When people are charged with a sex crime in Douglas and Arapahoe County, emotions rise and stress elevates. Many times they feel ashamed and discouraged, and just want the situation to be resolved. In these cases, they may be tempted to accept a plea bargain. That can be a good idea or a bad idea, depending on the evidence and the type of deal offered. A plea bargain is a decision that's made before a trial starts, which gives people the option to plead guilty to a lesser crime. A plea bargain can reduce the risk of an indeterminate sentence, guarantee no prison, substitute Arapahoe County Jail time instead of a prison sentence, or permit contact with a person's children.

Mistakes Happen: Plea Bargains Are an Option in Colorado

Let's look at an example of someone charged with a sex crime in Colorado, and what it might mean to accept a plea bargain:

Duke used to volunteer every week in a classroom with children between 8 and 9 years of age. Duke loved his job because he loves children. As a volunteer, he developed close relationships with many of the students. However, one of the students he started to become very close with. He started to spend more time with her than he did with the other students. Though Duke cared for her, his affection towards her unfortunately led to inappropriate sexual contact. When he was found alone with the child in her classroom, a schoolteacher reported what she saw. As a result, Duke is now facing charges of Sexual Assault on a Child. As an experienced lawyer handles Duke's case, what would it mean for him to consider a plea bargain? 

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”70%”]Always consult an expert defense lawyer before considering a plea bargain deal.[/pullquote]

Taking a Plea Deal in Jefferson County

Plea bargains require the insight of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

In Duke's case, admitting his mistake and accepting a plea deal may give him a better outcome for his case.  If he accepted a plea deal for his case, he could face Jefferson County Jail time, a lesser prison sentence, and avoid the risk of being found guilty in a jury trial. He may also lessen the stress for his family and for himself. However, even though a plea deal could be beneficial for Duke, he would still have to register as a sex offender and be overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board. Every sex crime case is different, and a plea deal should always be discussed first with an expert sex crimes defense lawyer. Plea bargains should be taken seriously and require the insight of a lawyer who's specialized in sex crimes. Once entered, a plea bargain cannot be withdrawn by either side. Plea bargains are permanent.

Charged with a Sex Crime in Denver? Contact Us

We have worked with many people who have been accused or charged with a number of sex crimes across Colorado. And, many people facing sex crime charges wonder about plea deals. If you're facing any sex crime charges in Denver and want to learn more about plea bargain deals, contact the experienced defense lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office. We will talk about the pros and cons to accepting a plea bargain, and what it could mean for you to accept a plea deal in your unique case. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime and are wondering about plea deals in Denver, Colorado, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.