According to Colorado law, sex offenses include both misdemeanor and felony crimes like:
Colorado Revised Statutes defines sexual assault as knowingly inflicting sexual intrusion or penetration without consent or when the victim is incapable of understanding the nature of the act. Sexual contact between a person under age 15 and someone at least four years older is also a crime under state law.
In Colorado, misdemeanor sex crimes usually involve less severe conduct, like unlawful sexual contact without force. Felony offenses encompass more serious crimes like sexual assault or sexual abuse of a minor, and carry longer prison terms.
Felony sex crimes also trigger harsher sentencing guidelines, potential indeterminate sentencing up to life in prison, and mandatory sex offender registration. Misdemeanors may carry shorter jail terms and, in some cases, limited registry obligations.
If you are accused of sexual assault, potential defenses include lack of evidence, mistaken belief in consent, misidentification, false allegations, and certain statutory exceptions. Working with an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney is essential when it comes to presenting potential defenses.
Possibly. Defending against false sex crime accusations usually involves pointing out inconsistencies in witness statements, alibis, lack of physical or forensic evidence, and flawed investigations. An experienced defense attorney can file motions to suppress unreliable testimony, reveal exculpatory evidence, and present a compelling case based on available proof.
In Colorado, individuals who have been convicted of certain sexual offenses have to register as sex offenders. Registration requirements usually include periodic reporting, public notice, and notification of address or employment changes.
Sex offenders face several restrictions in the state of Colorado, all aimed at protecting public safety. Oftentimes, the regulations pertaining to sex offenders are not statewide laws, but rather local regulations that vary from county to county. These laws can include prohibitions on where sex offenders can live, their contact and interactions with minors, what occupations they can have, whether they can access the internet unsupervised, and how often they can travel. Most sex offenders will also be required to register for the Colorado Sex Offender Registry and regularly report to local law enforcement (at least during their parole or probation period).
Can registered sex offenders live near schools in Colorado? There are no statewide rules regulating this proximity, unless the individual in question is currently a parolee or under probation. However, there are many local regulations in place in cities and counties across the state, barring sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of various locations, from schools and daycare facilities to parks, churches, and libraries.
In the state of Colorado, sex offenders retain their fundamental rights, including the right to legal representation and fair treatment under Colorado law. However, despite these universal freedoms, sex offenders do face several restrictions in their day-to-day lives, particularly when it comes to where they live, where they work, and who they have regular contact with.
First and foremost, many local laws prevent sex offenders from living within a certain distance of places where children are likely to be present (i.e. schools, libraries, parks, etc.). Even further, sex offenders will often face challenges when attempting to travel across state lines. Many US states require sex offenders to notify authorities immediately upon entering, while others allow only short stays without registration. Take a look at the full list of state-by-state sex offender visit regulations here.
If you are a sex offender who is currently out on parole or on probation, you will typically need permission from the officer overseeing your case before you can travel at all.
While there are not necessarily hard and fast rules in place barring sex offenders from specific jobs in the state of Colorado, many hiring teams will run background checks on prospective employees. If these background checks come back with a criminal record, such as a sex crime, this can often provide the company with a reason not to hire.
This is especially true in roles that involve close contact with children or minors, such as schools, daycare centers, parks, or youth organizations. Depending on the specific circumstances of your crime, you may face other restrictions when it comes to employment opportunities, which can damage your future prospects.
Many people wonder, “Will a sex crime conviction follow me around for life?” It’s a fair concern, as in many cases, sex crime convictions are life-changing. Some individuals can petition for removal after meeting legal requirements, but Colorado does not seal or expunge sex crime records.
Search for Colorado criminal defense attorneys who specialize in sex crimes, then check their experience, peer reviews, and disciplinary records via the Colorado Bar Association or Martindale-Hubbell.
You can also seek referrals from legal professionals and request initial consultations to assess their approach and familiarity with Colorado’s sex offense statutes.
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