Sex Assault on a Child in Denver

Accused of sexual assault on a child?

Under the terms of Colorado Revised Statutes §18-3-405 (2012), "Sexual assault on a child," it is illegal to engage in sexual contact with any person who is younger than the age of 20 years, when the perpetrator is 4 or more years older than the victim and is not married to the younger party. An offense under this statute is a Class 4 felony, and it carries a possible sentence ranging from $2,000 to $500,000 in fines and between 2 and 6 years in state prison. This charge will apply even in cases where the sexual contact was consensual since, minors are not legally capable of providing consent to engage in sexual relations with an adult.

In addition to statutory rape, C.R.S. §18-3-405 also covers forced sexual assault on a child. The crime will be charged as a Class 3 felony under the following circumstances:

• The perpetrator uses force to accomplish or facilitate the sexual contact
• The perpetrator makes threats of death, serious bodily injury, extreme pain or kidnapping in order to carry out the act
• The perpetrator makes such threats against another person in order to compel the victim to engage in sexual contact
• The perpetrator commits the act as part of a pattern of sexual abuse

It is important to note that for the charge based on threats to apply, the victim must have had reason to believe that the perpetrator had the present ability to carry out the threatened actions. Any of the above types of child rape is punishable by between $3,000 and $750,000 in fines and between 4 and 12 years in prison.

Sex Crime Lawyer for Child Rape Charges

Being charged with sexual assault on a child is a serious matter, one that has the potential to ruin your social and professional reputation and destroy your career. If convicted, you could not only be subjected to harsh criminal penalties, but you would also be required to register as a sex offender. Further, you would be prohibited from coming into contact with any children under the age of 18, including your own children. Mr. Trani has 20 years of experience as a Denver criminal defense lawyer, and he is ready to fight for you.