Megan’s Law and Colorado Sex Offenders
Sex Offenders living in Colorado counties like Denver, Jefferson, and Douglas County are not treated the same as other offenders after release from prison. In Colorado, people convicted of sex crimes like Unlawful Sexual Contact (CRS 18-3-404), Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child (CRS 18-3-405.4), and Aggravated Incest (CRS 18-6-301) must register as a sex offender.
Because of laws enacted in response to the death of Megan Kanka, sex offenders must also have their private information displayed on the internet and printed in newspapers.
Attorney in Englewood, Colorado and Megan's Law: Story of Megan Kanka
Megan Kanka was a seven year-old girl that was raped and killed in 1994 by a sex offender who moved across the street from her family's home. This man's two past convictions of sex offenses were hidden from the neighborhood. After her murder, the family stated that they would have never let their daughter associate with him if they had known his past.
Megan's death was devastating, but the generalization made by the family and victim's groups about sex offenders is over reaching. Based on an emotional response, legislators created a broad law that is impacting sex offenders across cities like Englewood, Aurora, Broomfield, and Lakewood.
Megan's Law Impact in Larimer and Weld County, Colorado
Megan's law states that local law enforcement must give the public information about sex offenders all across the state. The Sex Offender Registry shows the offender's address, sexual offense they were convicted of, photograph, aliases, and other personal information.
While a small percentage of registered sex offenders are in fact dangerous (often labeled as a sexually violent predator or SVP), there are many others included that have been convicted because of vicious “stings” by police, false accusations, or consensual sexual encounters with a minor.
Not only is this information available online in Arapahoe, Adams County and across Colorado, but is also allowed to be distributed in leaflets across the community or published in newspapers.
The law specifically states that the information provided is not to be used to intimidate or alienate a sex offender in the community, but hostility, threats, and isolation still occur. There have been many instances where families of sex offenders have been targeted or entirely alienated because of a loved one's involvement in a sex offense investigation because of Megan's Law.