Denver Sex Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Criminal Defense for Sex Crimes in Denver, Colorado

Few criminal charges in Colorado bring the immediate negative visceral reaction that sex crimes do. People hear that someone has been accused of a sex offense and immediately assume that the individual is guilty. If you are arrested for an illegal sex act, it can easily lead to you being shunned by friends, family members, and coworkers alike – and may even cost you your job. 

Fortunately, under the law and despite societal opinion, you are innocent until proven guilty, and a charge is not a conviction. This is incredibly important to remember because far too many people crumble under the pressure put on them by police officers, prosecutors, and others, and end up admitting guilt in an effort to avoid a lengthy prison sentence.

Before you buckle under the pressure, get in touch with WeedenLaw. Experienced Denver sex crimes attorney Jeff Weeden has been fighting for the rights of the accused for decades, and he understands what it takes to protect your rights and make sure you receive fair treatment and the best chance at a positive outcome. For a free consultation regarding your criminal case, call (720) 307-4330 or contact WeedenLaw online today. 

What Constitutes a Sex Crime in Colorado?

Colorado law groups sexual offenses into several categories, with the most common being sexual assault, unlawful sexual contact, and sexual assault on a child. Each offense is defined under specific sections of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Sexual assault involves any form of penetration or intrusion without consent. This includes vaginal or anal penetration, forced oral sex, or penetration with an object. These acts qualify whether the offender uses physical force, threats, intimidation, or exploits a victim’s inability to consent.

Unlawful sexual contact refers to any unwanted touching of intimate parts for sexual gratification. This includes groping, fondling, or other intentional contact that occurs without clear and voluntary consent.

Sexual assault on a child involves any sexual contact or sexual intrusion with a minor under the age defined by statute. Colorado treats these offenses very seriously and increases penalties when there is a position of trust or when aggravating factors apply.

Sex crime convictions in Colorado can lead to significant prison time, steep financial penalties, and mandatory sex offender registration. These consequences affect where you live, work, and spend time. Charges of this nature require immediate attention because the long-term impact can follow you for the rest of your life. To speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Denver, CO, call (720) 307-4330 right away to set up a completely confidential and free consultation. 

Types of Sex Crime Cases WeedenLaw Handles

Attorney Jeff Weeden and his dedicated legal team at WeedenLaw have spent decades providing aggressive criminal defense against a number of sex crime accusations, including all of the following:

Denver Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

Sexual assault charges in Colorado cover a wide range of conduct, from unwanted sexual contact to acts involving sexual intrusion or sexual penetration. Under CRS § 18-3-404 and related statutes, prosecutors examine whether the accused acted without consent, used intimidation or threats, or took advantage of a person who could not understand or communicate consent. These cases require careful review because the legal definitions are technical and the evidence in sexual assault cases can vary widely. However, even first-time sexual assault charges can lead to substantial prison time, supervised release, and mandatory sex offender registration.

As your Denver sex crimes lawyer, Jeff Weeden will evaluate every part of the case, including witness statements, forensic evidence, communication records, and whether police respected your constitutional rights. Building a strong defense involves challenging inconsistencies, exposing unreliable evidence, and presenting the full context of the allegations. 

Aggravated Sexual Assault

In Colorado, aggravated sexual assault refers to sexual intrusion or sexual penetration that occurs under circumstances the law considers especially serious. Aggravating factors can include:

• the use of force; 
• threats of harm;
• a deadly weapon;
• physical injury to the alleged victim; or
• actions that involve incapacitating substances. 

These circumstances elevate the severity of the offense by suggesting a heightened level of danger or coercion. When prosecutors assert aggravating factors, prison sentences lengthen, mandatory parole periods expand, and the long-term effects of registration and supervision become more restrictive. Colorado courts treat these allegations with significant weight, which makes it vital for anyone facing an aggravated sexual assault charge to seek legal guidance immediately.

Denver Unlawful Sexual Contact Attorney

Unlawful sexual contact occurs when an individual touches another person’s intimate parts without consent and for sexual gratification. Colorado law applies this charge to situations that do not involve sexual intrusion or sexual penetration but still involve intentional, unwanted contact. Prosecutors examine whether the alleged conduct was purposeful, whether the person could consent, and whether intimidation, impairment, or exploitation played a role.

Denver Child Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Colorado treats offenses involving minors extremely seriously, meaning prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. Allegations tied to child sex crimes can trigger severe penalties, restrictions, and long-term registration requirements. A strong defense begins with understanding the specific charge and the legal elements the state must prove. Below are examples of the child-related offenses that WeedenLaw defends against.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape laws focus on age rather than the victim’s consent. The age of consent in Colorado is 15, but the age difference between the individuals determines whether sexual intercourse or other sexual acts become criminal. When a minor is 15 to 17 years old and the older person is at least 10 years older, the conduct can result in misdemeanor statutory rape charges. If the minor is under 15 and the older party is even a few years older, the offense becomes a felony charge classified as Sexual Assault on a Child. 

Colorado law presumes that any sexual involvement with a minor is unlawful, even when both individuals believe the interaction is voluntary. If you face these allegations, a Denver statutory rape defense attorney at our firm can assess the age-related elements of the accusation and help you understand your legal options.

Child Molestation / Sexual Assault on a Child

CRS § 18-3-405 applies when an individual knowingly engages in sexual contact with a minor under 15 and is at least four years older than the child. The law treats this conduct as a separate category from other sexual assault cases because younger minors cannot legally consent under any circumstances. Prosecutors rely heavily on the age difference and the nature of the alleged contact to determine the level of the charge and potential penalties. When accusations arise, a Denver child molestation defense lawyer can evaluate the state’s evidence, address weaknesses in the allegations, and help you understand the steps needed to defend your future.

Sexual Assault on a Child by a Person in a Position of Trust

Colorado law defines a position of trust broadly, including parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, childcare providers, and anyone responsible for a child’s health, supervision, education, or welfare. Because the accused holds authority or influence over the minor, these types of sexual abuse cases carry heightened penalties and longer potential sentences. Courts look closely at the relationship between the parties, the alleged conduct, and the minor’s age when determining the severity of the charge.

Child Pornography Charges

Colorado prosecutes child pornography cases under the broader category of sexual exploitation of a child, which addresses a wide range of sexual activity involving minors. These offenses are punishable under multiple statutes, and the severity of the charge depends on the nature and extent of the alleged conduct. 

Colorado law divides these offenses into three primary categories:

• Sexual Exploitation of a Child (C.R.S. 18-6-403): Covers actions such as possessing, viewing, or creating child pornography and is typically a Class 3 felony.
• Procurement of a Child for Sexual Exploitation (C.R.S. 18-6-404): Applies when someone is accused of recruiting, transporting, or otherwise arranging for a minor to engage in sexually exploitative material. Typically charged as a Class 3 felony.
• Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child (C.R.S. 18-6-405.4): Using digital communication to entice or pressure a minor into participating in sexualized content. This is typically considered a Class 4 felony in Colorado.

An experienced Denver child pornography lawyer like Jeff Weeden can help you understand which statute applies to your case and what penalties you may face.

Child Enticement

Child enticement occurs when an adult attempts to lure or persuade a minor into unlawful sexual behavior. Colorado treats this offense with extreme seriousness, and convictions can bring lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and long-term social and personal consequences. Even accusations alone can damage a person’s reputation and stability. As such, anyone facing these allegations should seek legal help right away. A Denver child enticement defense attorney at WeedenLaw can examine the evidence, address inconsistencies in the state’s case, and work to protect your future against false or exaggerated claims.

Denver Indecent Exposure Lawyer

Indecent exposure in Colorado occurs when a defendant willfully displays their genitals with the intent to offend, alarm, or satisfy sexual desire. The law also applies when someone is accused of completing a sexual act in a place where another person could reasonably witness it.

Penalties can include jail time, fines, and sex offender registration, which can affect housing, employment, and personal relationships. 

Denver Public Indecency Defense Attorney

When someone shows private parts (other than their genitals) in an obscene manner in public, this is considered public indecency in Colorado. This includes public sex, but excludes practices like public breastfeeding. Having sex in a car in public can also result in public indecency charges, as vehicles in publicly accessible areas like parking lots or streets are generally not considered private spaces under the law.

Denver Prostitution Defense Lawyer

Prostitution charges in Colorado include offenses like solicitation (selling sex), patronizing (paying for sex), and pimping (when a third party solicits customers on behalf of a prostitute). These charges can carry serious legal consequences, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that may affect employment and housing opportunities. 

Whether you’re facing pimping charges, patronizing charges, or solicitation of prostitution charges in Colorado, an experienced defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, question whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during any sting operation, and explore potential defenses such as entrapment or lack of intent.

Denver Internet Sex Crime Lawyer

Jeff Weeden at Weeden Law provides aggressive defense representation for clients facing internet sex crime charges in Denver and the surrounding areas, including offenses such as online solicitation, possession of illegal materials, and computer-related sex crimes. 

With extensive experience in Colorado criminal law, he thoroughly investigates the circumstances of each case, challenges digital evidence and forensic procedures, and works to protect clients’ rights while building strong defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of internet-based allegations.

Internet Luring of a Minor

Child internet luring is a crime that occurs when an adult uses a computer, phone, or any digital communication platform to contact someone they know or believe is under 15 to describe explicit sexual conduct and attempt to arrange an in-person meeting, even if no meeting ever takes place. Internet luring of a minor charges in Colorado are taken very seriously in the justice system because they involve online communication that appears to target a minor. These allegations rely heavily on digital evidence, including messages, chat logs, and recorded interactions.

Sexting

Sexting in Colorado typically involves sending nude or semi-nude images or explicit messages through a phone, email, or other digital platform. But is sexting illegal for minors in Colorado? While consensual sexting between adults is lawful, the situation changes when a minor participates. When a minor sends, receives, or shares sexual content, the behavior can fall under Colorado’s child online exploitation laws.

These cases move quickly, and the consequences of sexting in Colorado can be serious, even for minors, potentially including criminal charges, school discipline, and other long-term impacts on a young person’s record. 

Sextortion

Sextortion occurs when someone uses threats, intimidation, or coercion to obtain sexual images, money, or additional sexual acts from another person. Sextortion crimes in Colorado often involve digital communication, where an offender threatens to share private photos or messages unless the victim complies with their demands. Colorado treats these cases as serious offenses because they combine exploitation, harassment, and coercive behavior.

What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Colorado?

Sexual crimes in Colorado carry penalties that vary widely depending on the charge, the ages of those involved, and any aggravating circumstances. Offenses may be handled as municipal violations, misdemeanors, or felonies, with consequences increasing sharply as the severity of the allegation rises. Courts consider factors such as prior criminal history, use of force or intimidation, the presence of a weapon, and whether the conduct involved a minor.

Felony sex crimes often lead to a long prison sentence, substantial fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. Some cases may also expose a defendant to a civil trial, especially when the alleged conduct resulted in emotional or financial harm. Because penalties differ from case to case, understanding the specific statute and potential consequences is essential for anyone charged with a sex offense in Colorado.

Prison Sentence for Colorado Sex Crimes

Sexual assault is prosecuted as a felony in Colorado, and the penalties are significant. A conviction for rape or other forms of sexual assault can lead to a prison term generally ranging from 4 to 12 years. When aggravating factors are present, such as the use of a weapon, serious bodily injury, or involvement of a minor, the sentencing range can increase sharply, with imprisonment extending to 24 years or more.

Fines and Court Costs

Sex crime cases come with significant financial consequences in addition to any jail or prison sentence. Courts may impose fines that range anywhere from a few thousand dollars for lower-level misdemeanors to several hundred thousand dollars for felony sexual offenses. Felony convictions, especially those involving minors, extreme violence, or other aggravating factors, carry the highest financial penalties.

Beyond fines, defendants are responsible for various court-related costs. These can include probation supervision fees, sex offender treatment costs, victim assistance surcharges, and fees for background checks, DNA testing, and required evaluations. Registration as a sex offender may also involve recurring costs. All of these expenses add up quickly, making the financial impact of a sex crime conviction a serious long-term burden.

Probation and Treatment Requirements

Potential probation and treatment requirements for sex crime convictions in Colorado include:

• Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Program (SOISP): A highly restrictive probation program that includes frequent check-ins, home visits, and strict behavioral rules.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Treatment: Participation in a state-approved treatment program led by certified providers, often lasting several years.
• Psychosexual Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment used to determine treatment needs, level of risk, and supervision requirements.
• Polygraph Testing: Regular polygraphs to monitor compliance with probation rules and treatment progress.
• No-contact Restrictions: Prohibitions against contacting the victim and, in some cases, restrictions on contact with minors, even family members.
• Electronic Monitoring or GPS Tracking: Court-ordered monitoring to ensure compliance with movement restrictions.
• Curfew Requirements: Set hours during which the individual must remain at home.
• Employment and Housing Restrictions: Limits on where a person can work or live, especially in locations near schools, parks, or childcare facilities.
• Internet and Technology Restrictions: Bans or monitored use of computers, phones, or internet-enabled devices, depending on the conviction.
• Substance Abuse Testing or Treatment: Required if alcohol or drugs contributed to the offense or risk factors.
• Regular Meetings With a Probation Officer: Frequent reporting obligations and strict compliance checks.
• Financial Penalties and Program Fees: Payment of supervision fees, treatment costs, polygraph fees, and other court-ordered expenses.

Mandatory Sex Offender Registration Under CRS § 16-22-103

Colorado law requires individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses to register as sex offenders, and the length of registration depends on the specific conviction. Some offenses require long-term reporting, while others trigger lifetime sex offender registration, meaning the person must continue updating their information for life. Under CRS § 16-22-103, registrants must provide personal details such as residence, employment, and contact information, and they must keep this information current to avoid additional criminal charges.

Lifetime Supervision Sentencing

Colorado imposes strict sentencing rules for certain sex crime convictions, including the possibility of lifetime probation or lifetime supervised release. These sentences require long-term monitoring, mandatory treatment, regular reporting, and compliance with stringent behavioral restrictions. Courts use lifetime supervision when they determine that long-term oversight is necessary to protect the community and ensure ongoing accountability. Individuals under this type of sentence must follow every condition set by the court and probation department, and violations can lead to additional penalties, including incarceration.

How Do I Fight Sex Crime Charges?

Your defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your case, the evidence involved, and how Colorado law applies to the allegations. Strong legal options can include showing that no sexual contact occurred, proving the encounter was consensual, or demonstrating that you reasonably believed the other person could and did consent. In situations involving false sexual assault allegations, your attorney can challenge inconsistencies, uncover unreliable statements, and expose weaknesses in the state’s evidence.

To build a focused and effective defense, you must review every detail of the case with your attorney. This allows them to determine the most appropriate approach and develop a strategy that reflects your circumstances.

Can Sex Crime Charges be Expunged in Colorado?

Even if you have completed probation, it is usually not possible to expunge or “seal” a conviction from your criminal record in Colorado. You can possibly have your records sealed if you were arrested but not charged with a crime, or if you were arrested and charged with a crime but not convicted. 

After the arrest or charge is sealed, it’s as if it never happened, and you’re not required to reveal the information if you’re asked about it. However, it is not possible to seal a record if it contains convictions for offenses based on unlawful sexual behavior. A Denver expungement attorney like Jeff Weeden can better inform you on the requirements for record sealing/expungement as well as help you determine whether your charge can be removed from your permanent criminal record.

What To Do After Being Arrested for a Sex Crime in Denver

There are likely a million thoughts running through your head after receiving a sex crime charge in Colorado. However, the best thing you can do in this situation is to keep calm, keep a clear mind, and call an experienced sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. 

Law enforcement officers try their best to get suspects talking before they get a lawyer. Having the renowned Denver criminal defense attorneys at WeedenLaw by your side can short-circuit these types of tactics. Also, remember that putting together a winning strategy to fight criminal charges takes time. The earlier the team at WeedenLaw can start working on your case, the more likely they will be able to:

• Collect specific types of helpful evidence that may be impossible to use after a certain amount of time has passed.
• Coordinate with the various official offices to track down records, evidence, and more.
• Locate witnesses and be able to bring them in.
• Bring in an expert, if necessary, to testify in your favor.

Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Like Jeff Weeden

Sexual crimes carry consequences that can alter every part of your life, from the risk of a long prison sentence to the weight of ongoing registration and strict supervision. These cases move quickly, and the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when the situation already feels like a traumatic experience. You need legal representation from someone who understands how prosecutors build cases involving similar crimes, how judges evaluate evidence, and how to address false accusations before they cause irreversible harm.

Attorney Jeff Weeden is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing a favorable outcome in every proceeding. He examines the allegations from a human perspective, identifies strengths and weaknesses in the state’s case, and builds a defense focused on fairness and justice. With a clear understanding of Colorado law and the challenges these cases bring, he works to protect your future and help you move forward with confidence.

Call a Denver Sex Crimes Attorney at WeedenLaw ASAP

A charge involving Colorado sex crimes can create a lasting stigma and affect every part of your life. You deserve an attorney who understands how these cases work and who will fight for the best possible outcome based on your circumstances. Jeff Weeden approaches each case with a focus on protecting his clients, examining the evidence carefully, and building a strategy that fits the situation.

If you are ready for a confidential review of your case, contact our Denver, Colorado office at 720-893-3831 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today.