In today’s digital age, the misuse of private images can turn a life upside down overnight. Sextortion occurs when explicit, intimate, or compromising images and/or videos are weaponized to force a person into sending money or providing sexual favors.
At WeedenLaw, a leading criminal defense firm in Denver, CO, we take defending those facing sextortion charges and other sex crimes very seriously. With severe penalties and life-altering consequences at stake, the best thing you can do for yourself or loved one when facing these charges is to obtain immediate legal support from an experienced Denver criminal lawyer at WeedenLaw.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with sextortion in Colorado, please call WeedenLaw at (720) 307-4330 or reach out online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
What is Sextortion?
You may already be familiar with the consequences of sexting in Colorado, but what is sextortion, exactly?
Sextortion is a form of blackmail in which a person uses intimate, explicit photos or videos to force someone into meeting demands—whether that means paying money, providing sexual favors, sending more nude or sexual images, or any other demand. Unlike sexting or revenge porn, sextortion involves direct, coercive demands that often require compliance with actions of a financial or sexual nature.
Examples of Sextortion in Colorado
Sextortion cases in Colorado can involve a range of situations affecting both minors and adults. For anyone facing these allegations, it’s important to understand what sextortion means in practical, real-world terms.
Social Media and Online Messaging Apps
One common scenario involves social media and online messaging apps, where offenders use online enticement tactics to target young people. For instance, an individual might initiate contact on platforms like Instagram or Snapchat by exchanging flattering messages and explicit images to build trust.
Once a connection is established and the offender has received something compromising in return, they may begin sending threatening messages, demanding money, sexual favors, or more images in exchange for keeping these compromising images from being released. This tactic creates a deceptive deal that can leave many sextortion victims feeling trapped, vulnerable, and forced into complying with the demands.
Hacking and Stolen Content
Another frequent allegation arises from hacking and stolen content. In these cases, an individual may be charged with sextortion if they are accused of obtaining sensitive material—such as explicit images or nude photos—by hacking into social media accounts, websites, or messaging platforms where intimate images or videos were stored.
Offenders can steal leaked private photos or videos that were once shared in confidence and then use the stolen content to coerce someone into sending money or meeting other specific demands.
Romance Scams and Fake Profiles
Falling victim to sextortion through romance scams and fake profiles on dating apps or social media platforms is another common scenario. These scams often start with what seems like a harmless online conversation, where the scammers pretend to be friends or someone interested in a relationship. As trust builds, the victim may be pressured into sharing intimate photos or videos, and once the scammer has this content, they demand the victim pay money or face the threat of exposure.
Coercion and Threats
Coercion and direct threats are common tactics used in sextortion, especially targeting young people. In some cases, a scammer may start a conversation online, pretending to be a friend or another child, and gradually build trust. For example, when targeting teenage boys, a scammer might offer things like online game credits or other services to encourage interaction.
In some sextortion cases, a scammer will openly blackmail the victim from the very start. They may demand explicit pictures under direct threat, saying they will harm the victim, their family, or their reputation if they don’t comply. Once the victim sends the images, the blackmail escalates—now the scammer threatens to release those photos publicly unless the victim meets ongoing demands. These threats often include requests for more pictures, money, or other favors, creating a relentless cycle of fear and control that can be especially overwhelming for teens and young adults.
Colorado Laws on Sextortion
Although there is no statute that directly covers sextortion crimes in Colorado, the state does have several statutes that penalize illegal behavior involving sexual images or videos. The following charges may apply in Colorado sextortion cases:
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child (C.R.S. 18-6-403): Sexual exploitation of a child involves possessing, producing, or distributing sexually explicit material involving a minor, which is treated as a serious felony offense. A Denver child sexual exploitation attorney like Jeff Weeden can help defend against these charges and explain your legal options.
- Criminal Extortion (C.R.S. 18-3-207): Colorado’s criminal extortion laws make it a felony to use threats—such as violence, property damage, or public shaming—to force someone into doing something against their will. This includes threats made to gain money, services, or other benefits through intimidation or fear.
- Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child (C.R.S. 18-3-405.4): Internet sexual exploitation of a child occurs when an individual, at least four years older than a minor under 15, knowingly uses electronic communication to invite or coerce the minor to expose or touch intimate parts, or to observe the individual’s intimate parts during the interaction.
- Unlawful Sexual Contact (C.R.S. 18-3-404): Anyone who knowingly pressures or tricks a child under the age of 18 using threats, lies, or other manipulative tactics to expose their private parts or take part in any sexual act with someone else, just for their own sexual pleasure, commits unlawful sexual contact.
- Posting Private Images for Harassment (C.R.S. 18-7-107): Someone who is 18 or older can be charged with posting a private image for harassment (aka revenge porn) if they share a photo or video—real or fake—showing someone else’s private parts or sexual activity online. This becomes a crime if the person shares it to harass, intimidate, or pressure the person in the nude image, did so without their permission or knowing the image was meant to stay private, and the person in the image suffers serious emotional harm because of it.
Is Sextortion a Felony?
In most cases, sextortion is considered a felony in Colorado. While the term “sextortion” isn’t always used in the statutes, these cases are typically charged under serious felony laws such as:
- Criminal Extortion – a Class 4 felony, but can become a Class 3 felony if threats of violence are involved (known as aggravated criminal extortion in Colorado).
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child – typically charged as a Class 3 felony, but may be also be charged as a Class 4 or 5 felony under certain circumstances.
- Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child – a Class 4 felony when the sexually exploited child is under 15 and the offender is more than four years older.
- Unlawful Sexual Contact – considered a Class 4 felony when charged in relation to sextortion crimes.
- Posting Private Images for Harassment – the one exception is posting private images for harassment purposes, which is typically considered a Class 1 misdemeanor rather than a felony.
It’s also important to keep in mind that depending on the details—such as the victim’s age, the use of threats or blackmail, and the nature of the images—multiple felony charges may apply in a single sextortion case.
Consequences of a Sextortion Conviction in Colorado
A sextortion conviction in Colorado carries life-altering consequences. Depending on the charges, penalties can range anywhere from one to 12 years in prison and fines between $1,000 and $750,000. Not only that, but anyone convicted of sextortion is required to register as a sex offender, a designation that can follow a person for the rest of their life and severely limits future opportunities. Some cases may also lead to additional legal consequences, such as restraining orders and civil lawsuits, making the impact even more devastating.
Beyond the immediate penalties, a criminal record for sextortion can create lasting barriers that affect nearly every aspect of life, including:
- Employment: Difficulty passing background checks, limiting job opportunities.
- Professional Licensing: Revocation or denial of licenses required for specific careers.
- Travel Restrictions: Inability to visit certain countries due to Colorado sex offender registration.
- Financial Hardship: Heavy fines, court costs, and potential civil lawsuits.
- Social Stigma: Strained relationships with friends, family, and community members.
With so much at stake, it’s important that anyone facing a sextortion charge seek the help of an experienced Denver sex crimes attorney like Jeff Weeden. Whether you’re facing suspected child sexual exploitation or charges for criminal financial sextortion, Jeff and his legal team have what it takes to mitigate the penalties you face.
How a Denver Criminal Lawyer Can Help If You’re Facing Sextortion Charges
If you’re facing sextortion charges in Colorado, working with a Denver criminal lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights. This is especially true for cases involving sensitive accusations related to exploited children or a young person being pressured to share intimate images or videos, which the state takes very seriously.
Prosecutors may work with electronic service providers to gather online communication records, and law enforcement may act quickly to collect evidence before you’ve even had a chance to respond. Having an experienced attorney can help ensure your side of the story is heard and that your rights are not violated in the process.
A knowledgeable Denver criminal defense lawyer like Jeff Weeden of WeedenLaw will know how to challenge the evidence, identify legal red flags in the investigation, and deal directly with police or investigators on your behalf. Whether you’ve been falsely accused or made a mistake you now regret, your attorney can work to build a strong defense, negotiate with the prosecution, or seek alternative resolutions that minimize the long-term impact of a conviction.
Contact WeedenLaw For Legal Advice and Defense Against Sextortion Cases in Colorado
If you’re being investigated or have been charged with sextortion in Colorado, it’s important to take the situation seriously. These cases often involve sensitive claims of sexual abuse and can carry life-changing consequences. Don’t wait to talk to a knowledgeable Denver sextortion defense attorney at WeedenLaw who can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Contact us today by calling (720) 307-4330 or send a message via our online contact form to set up your confidential and completely free consultation and get the legal support you need to protect your future.
