Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer for Internet Luring of a Child Charges in Denver, CO

Denver Luring a Minor Defense Attorney

Facing charges for internet luring of a child can threaten your freedom, damage your reputation, and derail your future. These cases are prosecuted aggressively under Colorado law, even when no child is physically present. Working with a Denver, Colorado, luring a minor defense attorney who understands the stakes is one of the most important decisions you can make.

At WeedenLaw, attorney Jeff Weeden brings decades of criminal trial experience to every case he takes on. His focus is on identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s strategy, challenging questionable evidence, and building a defense that protects your rights at every step. These are not cases to face alone, especially when your name, record, and future are on the line.

If you’re under investigation or have already been charged with internet luring of a child in Denver, CO, call (720) 307-4330 or send us an email right away to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer at WeedenLaw. The sooner you take action, the better.

What is Luring a Minor in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, luring of a child happens when a person communicates with someone they believe to be under fifteen years of age and makes a statement persuading or inviting that child to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact or sexual exploitation. Communication may occur through text messages, instant messages, email, social media apps, chatrooms, or any other means of communication that utilize a computer, telephone network, or data network.

Colorado requires proof that the defendant committed the act with the intent to initiate contact for sexual purposes, even if no meeting takes place. A single invitation to meet, combined with language that could be interpreted as sexually motivated, may be enough to support internet luring charges.

Internet Luring of a Child – CRS 18-3-306

The definition and penalties for internet luring of a child can be found under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-3-306. According to this statute, a person commits internet luring of a child when they:

  1. Knowingly communicate with someone they know or believe is under fifteen years of age;
  2. Do so through the use of a computer network, data network, telephone network, text message, or instant message;
  3. Describe explicit sexual conduct and make a statement persuading or inviting the child to meet during that communication or any subsequent communication;
  4. Are more than four years older than the actual or perceived age of the child.

The law makes clear that the meeting does not need to occur for charges to apply. The act of describing sexual content and inviting the child to meet, combined with the age difference and method of communication, may be enough to warrant arrest and prosecution.

The statute also applies regardless of the connection used, covering emails, chat apps, messaging platforms, social media, and other similar means. Communications, when used to promote, arrange, or encourage a meeting with a minor, fall under the legal definition of internet luring of a child in Colorado.

What are the Penalties for Luring a Minor in Colorado?

When an actor commits internet luring of a child, the penalties depend on the intent behind the communication. If the person made a statement persuading or inviting someone they believed to be under fifteen years of age to meet, and the communication involved sexual conduct as defined in section 18-3-401, serious felony charges apply.

Generally, internet luring of a child is a Class 5 felony except if the act was committed with the intent to engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or to sexual exploitation as defined by CRS section 18-6-403, in which case it is a Class 4 felony. Here are the prescribed penalties for each:

Class 5 Felony – If someone 18+ or 4 years older than the person who they believe to be under 15 years old communicates explicit sexual content and invites them to meet, but without intent to engage in sexual contact or exploitation:

  • Prison time between 1-3 years
  • Fines of up to $100,000
  • No mandatory sex offender registration under this category

Class 4 Felony – If committed with the intent to meet for sexual contact or engaging in sexual exploitation:

  • Prison time between 2-6 years (indeterminate sentencing)
  • Fines up to $500,000
  • Mandatory sex offender registration

Additional penalties include:

  • Mandatory sex offender registration
  • Probation, parole, or community supervision
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restrictions on housing, employment, and internet use

Defending Against Denver Luring a Minor Charges

Internet luring charges rely heavily on digital evidence, including text messages, instant messages, emails, and communications over a computer, data network, or telephone network. A solid defense focuses on whether that evidence truly meets the legal standards set by Colorado law.

Here are some of the more common defenses that may apply:

  • Mistaken Identity – Someone else may have used the device or account in question.
  • Lack of Intent – There was no actual plan or intent to meet the child or engage in sexual conduct.
  • Police Entrapped – Law enforcement may have encouraged behavior that would not have occurred otherwise.
  • Communication Does Not Meet Statutory Requirements: If the messages don’t describe explicit sexual conduct or include a statement persuading or inviting a child to meet, the charge may not hold. At the very least, communications lacking any explicit reference to sexual gratification or sexual excitement may weaken the prosecution’s case.
  • Improper Digital Evidence Handling: Any flaw in the collection or storage of digital records can be grounds for suppressing evidence.

When it comes to sex crimes in Colorado, especially those involving children, every detail matters. A well-prepared defense from an experienced Denver sex crimes lawyer like Jeff Weeden can expose flaws in the investigation, explore potential defenses, and shift the outcome in your favor.

Colorado Luring a Minor Defense Attorney

Internet Sting Operations and Undercover Police

A significant number of internet luring charges begin with sting operations, where law enforcement officers pose as minors in chatrooms, social media apps, or messaging platforms. These investigations are designed to trigger arrests based on online conversations, not real-life meetings.

Under Colorado law, the charge hinges on what the actor believes, not the actual age of the person on the other end. If the actor knowingly communicates using a computer, telephone network, or other means of communication with someone they believe is under fifteen years of age (even if the person on the other end is actually a 50 year old police officer) and makes a statement persuading or inviting that person to meet for sexual conduct, the foundation for a criminal case is established.

Although the law does not require a child to exist – only the intent, belief, and content of the subsequent communication – these operations can raise serious legal concerns. Investigators may push conversations toward explicit sexual conduct or manufacture intent, which may be considered entrapment. Reviewing police tactics, chat content, and potential entrapment by law enforcement can be key to challenging the allegations. As such, every message, prompt, and law enforcement action must be scrutinized.

An aggressive criminal defense attorney like Jeff Weeden will challenge whether the prosecution’s case meets the statutory requirements under Colorado law. 

Related Sex and Cyber Crime Charges We Defend

WeedenLaw also defends against a range of other sex crimes and similar cyber crime charges in Colorado, including:

Each sex crime charge brings its own unique legal challenges. That’s why, at WeedenLaw, we create targeted defense strategies for individuals charged with internet sex crimes, aiming to weaken the prosecution’s case and achieve successful short and long-term outcomes. 

Contact a Denver criminal lawyer at WeedenLaw by calling (720) 307-4330 today to begin building your defense.

Why Choose Jeff Weeden as Your Colorado Luring a Minor Defense Attorney

Attorney Jeff Weeden brings decades of courtroom experience and a clear, tactical approach to defending clients charged with internet luring of a child and related sex crimes. His deep familiarity with Colorado criminal defense law, cybercrime investigations, and digital evidence makes him a reliable advocate for those facing such serious allegations.

Clients trust Jeff for his proven record handling complex felony charges, his insight into sting operations and law enforcement tactics, and his ability to build effective legal defenses tailored to the facts of each case. He provides judgment-free support throughout the legal process, offering direct communication, a personalized strategy, and an aggressive defense in and out of court. Every case is handled with discretion, attention to detail, and a clear focus on protecting your future.

Importance of Early Legal Intervention for Internet Luring Charges

In Denver, CO luring of a child cases, police may already be reviewing digital messages, seizing devices, or running sting operations before you even know you’re a target. Talking to law enforcement without a lawyer can damage your defense and limit what can be done to protect you.

When you act quickly to reach out to WeedenLaw, Attorney Jeff Weeden acts quickly to:

  • Intervene before charges are formally filed.
  • Preserve digital evidence and identify weak links in the investigation.
  • Challenge violations of constitutional rights.
  • Develop legal defenses focused on intent, communication content, and how evidence was obtained.
  • Protect your rights from start to finish.

Early legal action provides the best opportunity to limit exposure and develop a strong, fact-driven defense, so don’t wait. Call us ASAP.

Denver, CO Internet Luring of a Child Defense Lawyer

Call Jeff Weeden – Trusted Denver, CO Internet Luring of a Child Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of internet luring of a child in Colorado, take action now. A conviction can mean prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your record, reputation, and future. Denver-based attorney Jeff Weeden provides skilled legal counsel to individuals charged with these offenses and brings decades of courtroom experience handling serious internet sex crime cases.

Call WeedenLaw now at (720) 307-4330 or contact us online for a free and completely confidential consultation.