Colorado takes allegations of sex crimes seriously, including accusations that someone is trying to contact a minor over the internet for sexual purposes. If you have found yourself the subject of a criminal investigation for internet luring in Colorado, you need to speak to an experienced Lakewood sexual assault defense lawyer immediately. Elaine E. Lukic is a former domestic violence and sex crimes prosecutor, so she knows how prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases and don’t wait for an explanation. Contact our law office today for a confidential consultation.
What Is Internet Luring in Colorado?
Internet luring of a child is described in CRS 18-3-306. Under this law, a person commits the criminal offense of internet luring of a child if they do all of the following:
- Knowingly communicate over a computer or computer network, telephone network, or data network or by a text or instant message to someone they believe to be under 15 years old
- In that communication, describe explicit sexual conduct as defined by Colorado law CRS 18-6-403(2)(e)
- In connection with that description, make a statement persuading or inviting the person to meet them for any purpose
To be a crime, the defendant must be at least four years older than the person they are communicating with or believe that person to be.
What Are the Penalties for Internet Luring?
Internet luring of a child is generally classified as a class 5 felony. If convicted, you can face a presumptive sentence of one to three years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and be fined anywhere between $1,000 and $100,000.
If prosecutors can establish that the communication was made with the intent to sexually exploit the child, you can be charged with a class 4 felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of two to six years, a fine of $2,000 to $500,000, and sex offender registration. Additional supervision and treatment requirements may apply, which can adversely affect your freedom, reputation, and life.
Potential Defenses to Internet Luring Charges
Just because you are accused of the crime does not mean that you do not have a viable defense. An experienced Lakewood juvenile sexting defense lawyer can analyze the charges against you and poke holes in the prosecution’s case. This often involves showing that some element of the offense is missing. For example, your lawyer may be able to argue:
- You didn’t know you were communicating with a minor.
- The victim was not under 15 years old and you didn’t believe them to be under 15 years old.
- Your conversations did not involve sexually explicit material.
- You are within four years of the alleged victim’s age.
- The minor misunderstood what you were saying.
- Someone hacked your account.
Elaine E. Lukic has over 25 years of criminal law experience, many of which have involved fighting sex crime allegations. She can build a strategic defense tailored to your specific situation.
Contact a Former Sexual Assault Prosecutor to Build a Strong Defense
If you are facing criminal charges for internet luring, Elaine Lukic, Lakewood criminal defense lawyer can help. Contact us today to begin building your defense.