Sexual assault accusations are growing throughout the state of Colorado. Facing a sex assault charge can drastically alter someone’s life, heightening the need for experienced defense. While certain sex crimes can sometimes be difficult to prove, the presumption of guilt is perhaps higher than any other offense. Earlier this month, a young man was arrested in Colorado after claims were made that he broke into a home and sexually assaulted a sleeping woman. Accusations such as these demand immediate representation from an accomplished sexual assault defense lawyer.
What is the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Unlawful Sexual Contact?
While there are several different nuances in these complex laws surrounding unwanted sexual behavior, the main difference is that sexual assault involves penetration or intrusion. Unlawful sexual contact encompasses touching and is more accurately described as fondling or groping.
Specifically, C.R.S. 18-3-402 outlines the behavior of sexual assault in Aurora, Centennial, or Englewood. Someone commits this offense if they:
- knowingly inflict unwanted sexual penetration or intrusion on another person,
- such as rape, oral sex, or penetration with a foreign object
In instances where the contact is against the victim’s will, the victim is incapable of consenting, or the victim is physically helpless and the perpetrator knows this, damaging charges can result. Additionally, because the man in the story above allegedly unlawfully entered the home where the woman was resting, he also faces a charge of burglary.
Sentencing for Sexual Assault in Arapahoe County
The potential consequences of a sexual assault conviction are harsh in Colorado, especially Arapahoe County. This felony offense is also an extraordinary risk crime, enhancing the maximum sentence. Sometimes sexual assault is punished by an indeterminate sentence as well. Consequences can include:
- 2 – 24 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- thousands of dollars in fines
- years to decades of supervised probation,
- sex offender treatment,
- sex offender registration
Arapahoe County Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer
Sometimes sexual assault cases involve one person’s word against another, seeing as there aren’t often witnesses. Other circumstances occur where an accuser has a grudge or seeks revenge for something. Whatever your circumstance might be, contact us for a free consultation where we will carefully analyze your unique situation and suggest next steps. Our priority is your best possible outcome and we will use our decades of experience to fight for your future. Consult Arapahoe County’s best sex crimes attorneys for representation in your criminal case.
If you or someone you know is Facing sexual assault Accusations in Colorado, be smart. Contact An aggressive Sexual Assault defense lawyer Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo Credit: Pexels – Tobi
