Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney for Denver Child Enticement Charges
If you’ve been charged with the enticement of a child in Denver, you’re very next priority should be finding an experienced Denver child enticement lawyer to help mitigate the repercussions. Under Colorado law, a sex crime charge of this nature can lead to severe consequences, including prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Long-time Denver criminal attorney Jeff Weeden of WeedenLaw understands the serious nature of these accusations and is here to help guide you through the process while working diligently to protect your rights and reduce or even avoid the criminal penalties you face.
Don’t let a conviction like this define your future— call (720) 307-4330 or contact us online to discuss your case and explore your legal options during a completely free initial consultation.
What is Child Enticement?
Child enticement refers to an adult’s attempt to lure or persuade a child into engaging in unlawful sexual behavior, often with malicious intent. This crime is taken very seriously and can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a lifelong social stigma, among a number of other lasting consequences.
The law aims to protect children from potential harm and exploitation by targeting individuals who seek to lure them into dangerous situations.
CRS 18-3-305
Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) 18-3-305 defines the crime of child enticement. The statute states that:
“A person commits the crime of enticement of a child if he or she invites or persuades a child under the age of fifteen years to enter any vehicle, building, room, or secluded place with the intent to commit sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact upon said child.”
The statute also establishes the classification of this offense. It is typically classified as a class 4 felony but can escalate to a class 3 felony if there is a prior conviction for a similar offense.
Convictions under this statute carry severe penalties, including substantial prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and significant fines.
Examples of Enticement of a Child
As stated above, the criminal enticement of a child in Colorado involves an adult who invites or persuades a child under the age of fifteen to enter a vehicle, building, or other secluded place with the intent to commit sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact. Here are a few specific examples of actions that might lead to a charge for enticement of a child:
- An adult offering a child candy, toys, or other gifts to persuade them to get into a car or enter a secluded area with the intent to commit unlawful sexual contact.
- An individual promising a child a fun activity, such as playing video games or going to an amusement park, to lure them away from a public place and engage in a sex crime.
- An adult asking a child to help find a lost pet or carry something, then attempting to lead them to a hidden or isolated location to commit sexual assault.
- Similar to online solicitation of a minor, using social media or online chat rooms to gain a child’s trust and arrange a meeting in a private or secluded place with the intention of committing child molestation, sexual assault, or any other type of sex offense.
- Someone posing as a police officer, teacher, or other trusted figure to convince a child to follow them to a private area for lewd intentions.
All of these actions are illegal, harshly prosecuted, and can lead to serious legal consequences for the perpetrator, as they are designed to exploit the child’s trust and put them in harm’s way.
Is Child Enticement a Felony?
Yes, child enticement is a felony criminal charge in Colorado. If Colorado police perceived the defendant’s act of enticement as an attempt to engage in sexual misconduct, it would result in severe legal consequences. Colorado felony sex crimes can lead to substantial prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and considerable fines.
If you are accused of this crime, a Denver sex crimes attorney can help by thoroughly examining the evidence, challenging the prosecution’s case, and advocating for your rights to achieve the best possible outcome.
Colorado Child Enticement Penalties
Under Colorado law, enticement of a child is generally considered a class 4 felony for a first offense, with potential penalties including:
- Anywhere between 2 to 8 years in prison
- Between $2,000–$500,000 in fines
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender
- 3 years of parole
- Lifetime felony sex offender probation
If the defendant was previously convicted for the same crime or similar crimes (including sexual assault on a child) or if the initial offense leads to the bodily injury of the victim, the charge can increase to a class 3 felony. Convictions for class 3 felony crimes in Colorado may increase the penalties to 4 to 16 years in prison and/or $3,000 – $750,000 in fines, among other serious consequences.
It’s important to note that aggravated crimes, extraordinary risk crimes, and crimes with exceptional circumstances can significantly increase these penalties.
It’s also important to note that, according to CRS 18-3-305, when a person is convicted, pleads nolo contendere, or receives a deferred sentence for a violation of this offense and said person is a current or former employee of a school district in Colorado, the Department of Education will be notified and may take any actions they deem necessary.
Long-Term Impacts of a Sex Crime Conviction
A conviction for child enticement (and sex crimes, in general) has significant long-term impacts that extend well beyond the courtroom. One of the most severe consequences is the requirement for Colorado sex offender registration, which often leads to substantial employment, housing, educational, and personal challenges. For instance, many employers hesitate to hire individuals with such a conviction, resulting in limited job opportunities and financial instability.
The stigma associated with sex offender treatment can also lead to strained personal relationships and social isolation. These issues are particularly challenging for those who have children, as the social stigma can extend to their families, further complicating their efforts to reintegrate into society.
How To Fight Denver Child Enticement Charges
Even mere accusations of child enticement can devastate a person’s life, making it absolutely vital that those facing such charges seek immediate legal assistance. A Denver criminal defense attorney like Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw can effectively fight child enticement charges by carefully challenging the prosecution, identifying inconsistencies, and aggressively defending against false accusations.
Your attorney will work to scrutinize the circumstances under which you were charged with enticement of a child, questioning the validity and integrity of the evidence presented. By casting doubt on the accuracy of the accusations, a defense attorney seeks to alleviate the severity of the situation.
Potential Child Enticement Defense Strategies
A criminal lawyer might use several possible defenses to defend a client against child enticement charges, including but not limited to:
- The Entrapment Defense: Arguing that the defendant was induced or coerced into committing the crime by law enforcement officials during sting operations.
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that the defendant did not have the intent to commit an illegal act, which is a necessary component to prove child enticement.
- Misidentification: Suggesting that the defendant was wrongly identified as the perpetrator, possibly providing alibi evidence or questioning the reliability of witness identification.
- Invalid Evidence: Challenging the legality of how evidence was obtained, such as questioning whether the police had proper warrants to seize computers and other devices.
- Insufficient Evidence: Arguing that the prosecution has not provided enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.
- Duress or Coercion: Claiming that the defendant was under duress or coercion from another party, leading them to engage in the alleged conduct involuntarily.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of child enticement, securing a criminal defense lawyer is essential due to the serious nature of these charges and the potential for severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
An experienced attorney understands the subtle differences in laws pertaining to sex crime charges and can identify inconsistencies or procedural errors in the evidence presented. They can develop a strong defense strategy, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, or explore alternative sentencing options.
Whatever the specifics of your case, a skilled Denver criminal attorney like those at WeedenLaw can create a tailored defense strategy that works to give you the most favorable outcome.
Why Choose Jeff Weeden?
If you or a loved one has been accused of or is currently facing charges for any variety of sex crimes in Colorado, don’t risk facing severe consequences by going unrepresented. Contact Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw today.
Jeff Weeden is a seasoned criminal defense attorney in the Denver area with the experience and dedication needed to fight vigorously on your behalf. With his skill, knowledge, and array of legal resources on your side, you can avoid the harshest penalties and put up the best defense possible against your charges.
Facing Child Enticement Charges? Call WeedenLaw for a Free Consultation Today
If you are facing child enticement charges, it is important to secure experienced legal representation as soon as possible. These serious allegations can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Contact WeedenLaw today to equip yourself with a skilled Colorado criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and begin building a strong defense. Serving Denver County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County, and a number of surrounding areas, Jeff Weeden and his dedicated legal team strive to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Call WeedenLaw at (720) 307-4330 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.