One of the biggest consequences of being convicted of a sex crime in Colorado is having to register as a sex offender. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Elaine Lukic knows how devastating and disruptive this can be to a person’s life. For this reason, we try to avoid this outcome whenever we represent Lakewood or Denver residents against sex crime charges.
If you find yourself facing sex crime charges of any kind, contact a Lakewood sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. Your life and your future are at stake, you need an experienced attorney on your side.
Colorado Sex Offender Registration Conditions
Most unlawful sexual contact statutes, even misdemeanors, automatically include mandatory registration as a sex offender. These conditions cannot be varied or discretionary with any district attorney or court. To prevent being ordered to register as a sex offender, contact a Lakewood criminal defense lawyer. Regardless of what you may be told, the following conditions WILL be imposed:
- You must register as a sex offender within five business days after being given notice to register. This means notifying local law enforcement every time you change addresses. You must register the exact address of where you are staying, including hotels for a week on vacation. If you are told by law enforcement to simply list your mailing or home address and you fail to do so, you are in violation of the statute and will receive another felony charge and violate probation.
- You cannot have contact with ANY child under the age of 18, even your own. This means you can’t ever go near schools, parks, swimming pools, shopping malls or any other place where children are likely to be. And despite promises often made by district attorneys, you CANNOT remain in your own home with your own minor children.
- You can’t use any computer, including smartphones. Ever. Including mobile devices necessary for your job.
- You will have a curfew.
- You cannot consume alcohol. Ever.
As grueling as all of that sounds, it often pales in comparison to the impact being on the sex offender registry has on your everyday life.
Colorado Sex Offender Registration Rules
Colorado law requires most individuals convicted of sex crimes to register as a sex offender. This includes individuals convicted of the following crimes:
- Any crime that classifies them as sexually-violent predators
- Felony sexual assault
- Sexual assault on a child
- Sexual assault on a child by a psychotherapist
- Sexual exploitation of a child by a person in a position of trust
- Aggravated incest
- Incest
Most individuals subject to registration must register each year, but some must re-register every three months. Re-registration is also necessary if you move, add an address, legally change your name, or study or begin employment at an institution of higher education.
Being included on the sex offender registry is intrusive. The registry contains your name, address, criminal convictions, any history of violations, and other information. This information can also be shared on law enforcement agencies’ websites.
The Challenges Of Finding Housing For Sex Offenders
I work hard to keep my clients from landing on the sex offender list. I understand that probation requirements are only the beginning. Registered sex offenders are not allowed to live within 1,000 feet of anywhere children gather in most cities. While state laws limit landlords’ use of criminal records in making decisions about offering leases, housing applications are typically denied if the applicant’s status shows up on a background check. Even when sex offenders can secure housing, they are often ostracized, shamed, and retaliated against when their status becomes known in the neighborhood. Without a skilled attorney fighting for your rights, a sex crime conviction typically means a lifetime of trying to keep your past hidden from the people around you.
Sex Offender Employment Restrictions
Like finding housing, finding gainful employment is also a challenge when your name is on the sex offender registry. Sex offenders are restricted from taking jobs in government agencies and any position that might put them in direct contact with children. While there are many industries and positions where a sex offender can legally work, it is still difficult to get a job, much less build a career. Many employers are reluctant to hire a registered sex offender for fear of the stigma, the potential loss of business, and the fear of the legal liability of possibly putting their other employees at risk.
Getting Off The Registry
Some people who are placed on the sex offender registry may not realize that they could be able to remove themselves from this list and intrusion. To be removed from the registry, you must register for the minimum number of years required by your conviction, as follows:
- Class 1, 2, or 3 felonies that do not classify you as a sexually violent predator – 20 years
- Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies – 10 years
- Class 1 misdemeanor sexual assault or sexual contact.- 10 years
- Other misdemeanor sex offenses – 5 years
- Failure to register – 1 year after the required registration period has been served
- Deferred sentence – Once the case has been dismissed
I know you are anxious to be removed from the sex offender registry, and I can help expedite your removal request. To be removed from the registry, you must complete an application and notify the appropriate parties. I can assist you with this process.
Violations Of Colorado Sex Offender Registration Requirements
If you are required to register or re-register as a sex offender and fail to do so, you can face penalties in addition to your existing penalties. Failure to register as a sex offender when required is considered a class 6 felony in Colorado. If you are convicted of this crime, you can be sentenced to one to one and a half years in a Colorado state prison and face fines of $1,000 to $100,000. A second or subsequent offense is classified as a class 5 felony and punishable by one to three years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Get ahead of these charges and contact me for a free case evaluation.
Contact Me For An Aggressive Defense
Have you been charged with a sex crime and have questions about the sex offender registry? Call (303) 809-3425 to talk to an experienced Lakewood sexual assault lawyer or use the email form to contact The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic and schedule a consultation.
When charged with sexual offense registration violations, you can rely on The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic to put our 25 years of experience to use. We will fight to protect your freedom. We represent clients throughout Lakewood and Summit County. Call today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.