Pleading guilty to a sex crime is a serious decision with serious consequences. Sex crimes are some of the most severely punished crimes in Colorado. If you plead guilty, you can face years behind bars and other devastating consequences. It is in your best interest to contact an experienced Lakewood sex crimes lawyer before entering a plea so they can thoroughly discuss your options. Also, if you plead guilty without the assistance of a lawyer, the prosecution will have no incentive to minimize penalties.
As a former prosecutor, I, Elaine Lukic, understand how the prosecution operates and how they often railroad defendants who are not represented. I can provide individualized legal advice and guidance during your case, whether that means ultimately pleading guilty to the case against you or fighting the charges at trial.
Potential Consequences of Pleading Guilty to a Sex Crime
If you plead guilty to a sex crime in Colorado, you could be facing the following serious consequences:
Imprisonment
Many sex crimes in Colorado carry lengthy prison sentences upon conviction. Many sex crimes include mandatory sentencing provisions, so you may be imprisoned even if the district attorney or judge would have otherwise given you a lighter sentence. Lengthy, years-long terms of probation then follow these sentences. Therefore, a guilty plea could mean decades of your freedom lost.
Sexual Offender Registration
Upon conviction, you may be required to begin registering as a sex offender. Sex offender registration in Colorado is for at least ten years for a Class 4 felony or at least twenty years for a Class 2 or 3 felony. Some offenders may have to register every three months. If you are designated as a sexually violent predator, special registration requirements and community notification rules apply.
Sex offender registration in Colorado can interfere with all aspects of your life. It can prevent you from getting a job or housing. Neighbors can easily locate you and may begin harassing you. Your safety could be in jeopardy.
Psychiatric Treatment
People convicted of sex crimes in Colorado must typically undergo a psychiatric evaluation that considers the defendant’s level of risk, specific factors that would need to be addressed in treatment, the type of treatment available, and monitoring procedures to protect the public. These recommendations go to the court, which can impose an order requiring psychiatric treatment and the frequency of sessions. Failing to attend this treatment is considered a violation of parole and can result in incarceration.
Probation
While many offenses require some amount of probation time after the defendant is released from incarceration, intensive supervision conditions can be imposed on those convicted of sex crimes, such as:
- Electronic monitoring
- Genetic marker testing
- Prohibitions about not being in contact with children or dating someone with minor children
- Substance abuse treatment
- Announced visits from law enforcement
- Curfew requirements
Probation typically lasts ten years for Class 4 felonies and twenty years for Class 2 or 3 felonies. To minimize this, our sex offense probation lawyer can help.
Contact A Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
When so much is at stake, it is crucial that you have a strong understanding of your legal rights and options. An experienced Lakewood criminal defense attorney from The Law Office of Elaine E. Lukic can investigate your case, explore options for resolving it, and advise you of their recommendations. Call (888) 565-2217 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case in a confidential setting.