Yesterday, in Rapid City, a man who had been evading Colorado Springs law enforcement for four years (moving to three states in the process), was arrested on charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Throughout Colorado, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor is a serious charge that can affect the rest of your life – perhaps this is why the man worked so hard not to be caught. This crime can range from a class 5 to a class 3 felony, the penalties include

• 1-12 years in prison
• A fine between $1,000 – $750,000
• Registering as a Sex Offender
• Sex Offender Treatment

What is Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Jefferson County?

So what is this crime that could land you in the Colorado Department of Corrections for over a decade? Sexual Exploitation of a Child occurs when someone is in possession of child pornography or other sexually explicit materials that include children (anyone under 18). If you try to distribute or sell child pornography, or prepare (produce) child pornography or sexually explicit materials that include children, you will be charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Jefferson County.

C.R.S. 18-6-403 Definition in Douglas County

The Douglas County, Colorado definition of C.R.S. 18-6-403 (1) explains why this law is in place:

“That the sexual exploitation of children constitutes a wrongful invasion of the child's right of privacy and results in social, developmental, and emotional injury to the child; that a child below the age of eighteen years is incapable of giving informed consent to the use of his or her body for a sexual purpose; and that to protect children from sexual exploitation it is necessary to prohibit the production of material which involves or is derived from such exploitation and to exclude all such material from the channels of trade and commerce.”

Child Pornography Lawyer In Adams County

Laws regarding Child Pornography in Adams County are complex. The definitions are lengthy and situations are complicated. A 19 year old who receives a nude photo from a 17 year old girlfriend or boyfriend would technically be in possession of child pornography. Someone who is in possession of a used computer that had sexually explicit images of minors could be charged, even if they had no knowledge of the photos existing. Maybe you took nude images of a underage model who falsely claimed to be 18. Whatever the circumstances, having an experienced lawyer, who knows Colorado's sex crime laws inside and out, is a must. Don't leave your future in the hands of an angry judge, a misinformed jury, or a District Attorney doing their best to take advantage of you.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a Sexual Exploitation of a Child, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from O'Malley and Sawyer at 303-830-0880 to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.