Sexual Assault is a complicated offense that permeates headlines in Colorado. Facing an accusation or charge in Aurora surrounding unlawful sexual behavior of any kind can be frightening and overwhelming. The media often fills headlines with the term sexual assault, causing the reader to sometimes assume the worst and spread the presumption of guilt like wildfire. However, not all cases involve actions like rape or force. Experienced sexual assault defense is essential to fight for a defendant's future and what's left of their reputation.

Contact Offenses in Arapahoe County

The crimes involving sexual contact in Colorado include:

• Sexual Assault C.R.S. 18-3-402 – offenses involving unwanted penetration or intrusion such as rape, forced oral sex, and penetration with a foreign object.
• Unlawful Sexual Contact C.R.S. 18-3-404 – crimes involving unwanted touching (sometimes referred to as sexual battery) like groping or fondling.
• Sexual Assault on a Child C.R.S. 18-3-405 – situations where any sexual contact occurs (regardless of consent) between a child 14 or younger and someone 4 or more years older.
• Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust C.R.S. 18-3-405.3 – circumstances where any sexual contact occurs (regardless of consent) between a minor under the age of 18 and someone who is responsible for that minor's care or supervision in any way.

The majority of these contact offenses are felony crimes in the state of Colorado. One exception where a class 1 misdemeanor applies is in situations where a minor 15 or 16 years of age consents to sex with a person 10 or more years older. This is still a sex crime, but not a felony offense. Unlawful sexual contact where the victim is NOT forced or threatened and is 18 or older is also a class 1 misdemeanor.

Sexual Assault Consequences in Colorado

Sex crimes in Colorado may include indeterminate sentences that can impact defendants for life. Up front, potential ramifications for rape and offenses involving penetration / intrusion can include 4 – 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $750,000 in fines. Aggravating factors that amplify consequences include age of the victim, the actor being aided by another, the victim suffering serious bodily injury, the threat or use of a deadly weapon to obtain submission, and previous criminal history. Because many sex offenses are also extraordinary risk crimes, the penalties increase even further. A decade or more in prison, as well as six-figure fines can apply at sentencing. Additionally, mandatory treatment, sex offender intensive supervised probation, and the requirement to register as a sex offender are realities of conviction.

Sexual Assault Defense in Arapahoe County

An arrest for sexual assault in Arapahoe County requires immediate representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. Just because you're facing a sex crime charge doesn't mean you're guilty. Sexual assault charges are treacherous, but are sometimes difficult to prove. You need Aurora's best sex crimes attorneys fighting for your future. Perhaps the sexual behavior was consensual in your case or details are being embellished for clickbait. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation where we will carefully analyze your unique situation. We will suggest next steps in forming a strong defense on your behalf.

If you or someone you know is facing a sexual assault accusation or charge, be smart. Contact the determined sex crimes attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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