Promotion of obscenity to a minor in Denver is a charge that results from sharing sexual material with anyone under the age of 18. Posting an image of intimate parts, sending lewd items via direct message, or communicating pornographic material electronically can all lead to criminal charges in Colorado. A man was recently extradited to Colorado from Florida on charges of promotion of obscenity to a minor and attempted sexual exploitation of a child. He allegedly sent inappropriate material to a 16-year-old girl using a popular social media app. Charges such as these require strategic representation from Denver’s best sex crimes attorneys.
Sharing Sexual Content on Social Media and Promotion of obscenity
Sex offenses committed using social media applications are becoming quite common. Adults and minors friend one another and begin communicating in ways that seem harmless. As the discussions and interaction increase, so does the exchange of photos and videos. When this material becomes obscene, law enforcement gets involved quickly. C.R.S. 18-7-102 describes the conduct of promotion of obscenity to minors in Colorado. Someone commits this offense if they:
- share material depicting intercourse, masturbation, male or female genitals, or other sexual acts,
- with someone under the age of 18,
- or produce, present, direct, or participate in an obscene performance involving a minor under 18
The definition of obscene is particularly broad and can include a wide range of erotic, indecent, and inappropriate material.
Is Promotion of Obscenity to a Minor a Felony in Colorado?
While obscenity is a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado, the involvement of a minor in the offense amplifies the charge to a class 6 felony. Potential consequences of conviction can include up to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections, as well as thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, a conviction of promotion of obscenity to a minor requires sex offender registration. An offender will be required to register with local law enforcement and provide:
- full name,
- date of birth,
- address,
- phone numbers,
- vehicle make / model / license plate
- location of employment,
- fingerprints,
- up to date photograph,
- email addresses,
- instant message / chatroom identities
Some of this information will be made available to the public and can lead to especially harmful isolation and misconceptions.
Denver Defense Lawyer for Sex Crimes Involving Minors
Anyone facing a promotion of obscenity to a minor charge in Colorado should seek representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. Sex offenses involving anyone under 18 are prosecuted heavily and with many resources at hand. Our top rated sex crimes lawyers have decades of combined experience defending clients accused of sexual offenses throughout Colorado. Contact our office for a free consultation where we will analyze your unique case and suggest next steps in forming a strong defense on your behalf.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for promotion of obscenity to a minor, be smart. Contact the unparalleled defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo Credit: Pexels – Omkar Patyane
