Sexual Exploitation of a Child is a serious criminal offense in Weld County, Colorado, with severe consequences for those convicted. This crime can result in a sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections (prison), mandatory sex offender registration, and other harsh penalties. As criminal defense attorneys in Greeley, it’s crucial to understand these charges if you’ve been charged.
Greeley Sexual Exploitation of a Child Lawyer: What is Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, Sexual Exploitation of a Child (C.R.S. 18-6-403) refers to any action involving the exploitation of a child for sexual purposes, including but not limited to:
- Producing, distributing, or possessing child pornography.
- Engaging in sexual exploitation, such as encouraging, inducing, or coercing a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
- Using a child in a sexual performance or allowing them to be used in such a manner.
- Knowingly possessing, receiving, or distributing material depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child.
If convicted of this offense, the penalties can be severe, including mandatory prison time and sex offender registration. Depending on the circumstances, those found guilty may face anywhere from 2 to 12 years in prison, along with mandatory parole upon release.
Penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Evans and Firestone
The severity of the penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Child charges depends on the nature of the offense. Some of the potential penalties include:
- Class 3 felony: If convicted of a Class 3 felony, a defendant could face 4 to 12 years in prison, with parole eligibility after serving part of the sentence.
- Class 4 felony: In cases involving the possession of child pornography or other non-producing offenses, defendants may face a Class 4 felony, which comes with 2 to 6 years in prison.
- Sex Offender Registration: A conviction for child exploitation requires mandatory sex offender registration. This can have long-term consequences on personal and professional life, even after serving the prison sentence.
- Fines: In addition to jail time, a convicted individual may be subject to heavy fines ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.