Hollywood is filled with stories of psychiatrists falling in love with their clients. These are love stories that are both heartwarming and enjoyable to watch. Real life is much different, however. According to the American Psychological Association's Code of Conduct, “Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients for at least two years after cessation or termination of therapy.” (Read the APA's entire code of conduct). Early this year, a psychotherapist was arrested in El Paso County and charged with Sexual Assault on a Client by a Psychotherapist – C.R.S. 18-3-405.5 for a mutual relationship she had with a man who happened to also be her client. The reason they were caught? She wanted to keep their relationship secret. She knew their relationship was illegal, but the man grew tired of waiting for her to announce it.

What is Sexual Assault on a Client by a Psychotherapist in Denver, Adams or Douglas County?

You will be charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Client by a Psychotherapist if you are a psychotherapist and the alleged victim is a client and you have a sexual relationship. Or, if the sexual relationship occurs by means of therapeutic deception. This is a class 4 felony. If a psychotherapist simply has sexual contact with a client (or if the sexual contact occurs by means of therapeutic deception), then they will be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor in Jefferson, Larimer or Arapahoe County.

What is the Sentence for Sexual Assault on a Client by a Therapist?

The class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 18 months in jail. The class 4 felony is much more serious. And, it's punishable by imprisonment in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Both the misdemeanor and felony require the person who is convicted to register as a sex offender, and undergo treatment overseen by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB). The felony, Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Client by a Psychotherapist, is subject to indeterminate sentencing in Colorado. This means a person could spend their entire life in prison. Because of this, it is important that you work with a lawyer who has a thorough understanding of criminal law.

Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Your life is at stake if you have been charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Client by a Psychotherapist in Denver, Aurora or Cherry Creek. If convicted, you could be facing life in prison and harsh sex offender treatment. The psychotherapist from El Paso County worked with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Her charges were dismissed for lack of evidence. A defense investigation turned up evidence that the alleged victim had accused her for financial gain. Even an accusation has caused her pain. She is still trying to reinstate her license.

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If you are charged with Sexual Assault on a Client by a Psychologist, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer 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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