Image Credit: Pixabay – tubarelli0

In one recent news story, a teacher's mistake could be costing him his job and lead to criminal charges.  Apparently, the teacher is under investigation after accidentally showing pornography to a seventh grade middle school class. The students in the class said the teacher plugged his iPad into a projector during their world cultures class, and pornography was displayed on the screen. It is unclear if the teacher knew the pornography would be displayed on the screen, but if he did, he could be facing Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor, C.R.S. 18-7-102, charges in Denver or Adams County.

What is Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor in Douglas and Arapahoe County?

The definition of Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor, C.R.S. 18-7-102(2.5)(a), in Douglas and Arapahoe County, is:

“A person commits promotion of obscenity to a minor if, knowing its content and character, such person:

• Promotes to a minor or possesses with intent to promote to a minor any obscene material; or
• Produces, presents, or directs an obscene performance involving a minor or participates in a portion thereof that is obscene or that contributes to its obscenity.”

Note that the law on Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor requires that a person had intent behind showing obscene material to a minor. It is unclear whether the teacher from the news story knew that he would be showing a middle school class pornography. He could have viewed the obscene material on his own time, but prosecutors would have to prove he knew the content was on his iPad and that he knew he would be showing it to the class to face Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor charges.  Regardless, this could impact his career path for many years.

Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor Lawyer in Jefferson County: Contact the O'Malley Law Office

Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor is a class 6 felony in Jefferson County, which could lead to up to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections and steep fines upon a conviction. Additionally, you could face annual sex offender registration upon a conviction of Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor. Remember, Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor requires that you had intent and that a minor was involved in the promoting or possessing of obscene material, or in making an obscene performance with a minor or participating in the obscene performance. You should always consult an experienced Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor lawyer in your case if facing charges or allegations of Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor in Colorado. Your future is worth fighting for.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor in 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.