Allegations of Unlawful Sexual Contact are among the more serious cases handled in Weld County Court, carrying consequences that extend far beyond a single conviction. Here’s an overview of how Colorado defines and punishes this offense.
Greeley Unlawful Sexual Contact Attorney: What is Unlawful Sexual Contact in Colorado?
Unlawful Sexual Contact is defined under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-3-404 as knowingly subjecting another person to sexual contact under certain prohibited circumstances, for example, without consent, or where the actor knows the contact is offensive to the other person. “Sexual contact” refers to the touching of an intimate part of another person, or causing another person to touch the actor’s intimate parts, for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. Unlike Sexual Assault, Unlawful Sexual Contact does not involve penetration.
Is Unlawful Sexual Contact a Misdemeanor or Felony in Johnstown and Milliken?
In most cases, Unlawful Sexual Contact is charged as a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado. However, the charge becomes a class 4 felony under certain aggravating circumstances, like when the actor compels the victim to submit through force, intimidation, or threats.
Sex Offender Registration: A Consequence of Unlawful Sexual Contact Conviction
A conviction for Unlawful Sexual Contact, whether charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, generally requires registration as a sex offender under Colorado’s Sex Offender Registration Act. In limited circumstances, such as a defendant’s first misdemeanor offense, paired with a favorable sex offender evaluation and specific written findings by the court, a person may petition to be exempted from registration. Otherwise, a person convicted under this statute may later petition to be removed from the registry after a lengthy waiting period following the completion of their sentence.
The Impact of a Sex Offense Conviction: A Greeley Defense Lawyer Explains
Beyond potential jail time, probation, and mandatory sex offender treatment, a conviction under this statute can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and firearm rights, particularly in felony-level cases. Because these cases carry both criminal penalties and long-term collateral consequences, understanding exactly how the statute applies to the specific facts alleged is critical for anyone facing this type of charge in Weld County.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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