Late last year, a man from Park County, Colorado was charged with Internet Luring of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-306, Enticement of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-305, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – C.R.S. 18-6-701. No details have been released about the case, but we know Internet Luring and Enticement have serious consequences in Colorado. This man would be wise to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney – his future is in the balance.

What are Internet Luring and Enticement?

These two offenses are almost identical in Denver, Arapahoe and Douglas County. The differences are very subtle, but the consequences are vastly different. First, we'll discuss Internet Luring of a Child:

• Internet Luring of a Child

A person will be charged with Internet Luring of a Child if they knowingly communicate over a computer, phone, etc. with a person who is under the age of 15, and during that communication, describe explicit sexual conduct, and, in connection with that sexual conversation, make an invitation to meet for any purpose. (This also applies if the person believes they are talking to someone under 15. In reality, it could be an adult police officer pretending to be a teenager in a sting operation)

• Enticement of a Child

A person will be charged with Enticement of a Child if they make an invitation, or try to persuade a child under the age of 15 to go to a secluded place with the intent to commit sexual assault or other unlawful sexual contact with the child.

The Difference in Crime and Punishment

Internet Luring only takes place on the internet or over the phone, while Enticement includes instances outside the virtual world, in Adams, Larimer and Jefferson County. Both offenses are often charged after police stings in Denver, Cherry Creek, or Arvada, however. Internet Luring is usually a class 4 felony, and requires the offender to register as a sex offender. If the invitation to meet with a child is for the purpose of sexual contact or sexual exploitation, class 5 Internet Luring is charged. Both the class 5 felony Internet Luring and Enticement of a Child are subject to Colorado's Indeterminate Sentencing, this means a person can be sentenced for up to life in prison. Their release is dependent on finishing Sex Offender Treatment overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB). There is a shortage of treatment providers, however, so a person convicted of either offense could spend many years in prison. All convictions of Internet Luring of a Child and Enticement of a Child require the offender to register as a sex offender. Because of these serious consequences, if you have been charged with either crime, it is vital to work with a skilled criminal lawyer to protect your future.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with Internet Luring or Enticement of a Child, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.