Sex crimes cover a wide range of criminal offenses. Since many of these offenses have significant repercussions, defending against these cases can be challenging. To avoid or minimize the likelihood of a criminal conviction, you may wish to talk to a skilled mountain communities sex crimes lawyer for advice and guidance.

When you are facing sex crime charges, you may face judgment by the public and law enforcement officials before you ever enter the courtroom. A conviction for a sex crime carries the risk of substantial prison time and fines, but also mandatory registration as a sex offender. An experienced criminal defense lawyer may be able to assess your situation and determine the strategy to help your case. Justie and Jenn at Colorado Lawyer Team have the skills, knowledge, experience, and tools to help your case.

Types of Sex Crimes Throughout the Mountain Communities

Sex crimes exist under both state and federal law. These offenses include every sex-based crime from solicitation to rape, so the severity of the charges and accompanying penalties may vary. Some sex crimes involve only sexual contact or touching, whereas others involve sexual penetration.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape, or sex between persons who are between 15 and 17 years old and others who are least ten years older is considered to be an extraordinary risk misdemeanor offense. Any other type of rape is classified as sexual assault, which typically is a felony offense and has very harsh penalties.

Sexual Assault and Rape

Sexual assault is a felony under state law, which can result in a lengthy prison sentence and a fine of hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, aggravating factors often increase the charges and penalties. Some examples of these factors might include the alleged victim of the sexual assault being under 14 years of age or a victim who suffers severe bodily injury as a result of the crime. The presence of force, drugs, or violence also can affect the charges.

Lewd Conduct

Lewd conduct covers a broad range of behaviors under state law, some of which are felony offenses and others that are misdemeanors. This conduct generally consists of lewd acts towards others. The penalties for lewd conduct directed toward minors may be more severe than those concerning adults, including mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Solicitation

Solicitation occurs under state law when individuals offer or request sexual favors in exchange for money, services, or goods of value. Attempting to offer or request sexual favors in this manner also is a crime. A conviction for solicitation does not require that a sex action occur.

A seasoned sex crimes lawyer in mountain communities may be able to evaluate the charges that individuals are facing and determine the best course of action from a defense perspective.

Sex Offender Registration

Sex offender registration requirements go into effect once individuals are convicted of a sex crime and have served their sentences of incarceration. These onerous registration requirements can be highly damaging when individuals are attempted to get jobs, housing, and more. Individuals who are subject to registration must give specific contact information to law enforcement agencies in their communities, which information becomes available to the general public.

Some misdemeanor sex offense convictions, such as indecent exposure, require registration for five years, although at least one misdemeanor offense requires ten years of registration. Sex offenses that are Class 4 to 6 felonies require ten years of registration, and Class 1 to 3 felonies require 20 years of registration. However, some sex offenses, including individuals labeled as sexually violent predators, require lifetime registration. Even if a person completes the required registration period, this does not automatically remove them from the sex offender registration list.

Let a Mountain Communities Sex Crimes Attorney Help

When you are facing sex crime charges, you likely are intimidated, overwhelmed, and concerned about the impact of these charges on your future. Even allegations of involvement with sex crimes may be enough to affect your career and your family adversely. Take proactive steps to protect your rights and talk to a mountain communities sex crimes lawyer today.

A wide variety of sex-related acts can result in criminal charges against you. In many cases, sex crime charges are based on the accusations of a single person. While handling sex crime charges can be challenging, you have the right to a presumption of innocence and to have experienced legal counsel advocate on your behalf. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FIGHT YOUR CASE ALONE. Justie and Jenn at Colorado Lawyer Team can help. Call today to discuss your options.