There are certain criminal charges that can bring severe consequences if a person is convicted. Some of the most life-altering include sexual assault, child abuse, and sexual assault of a child. More than just criminal and civil penalties, these offenses can carry shattering consequences for relationships between spouses, partners, friends, and children.
It is of the utmost importance to retain a Denver sexual assault lawyer who can walk you through the penalties in your case and help you craft a defense you can rest on.
Penalties for Sexual Assault
The repercussions you face for sexual assault depend on a number of factors. These factors can include the age of the victim, your previous criminal record, the extent of the act committed, the relationship, and whether any other form of violence was involved. The skill of your defense attorney may also play a part in how severe your sentence is.
In Colorado, the following type of penalties may be enforced:
Potential Penalties for Felony Sex offense include…
Mandatory Indeterminate Sentencing: Meaning you upon conviction you go to prison and you don’t get out of prison until the Parole Board is convinced you are cured of being a sex offender.
Non Mandatory Indeterminate Sentencing: Means upon conviction, the Judge could send you to prison and if the Judge does send you to prison–it will be an indeterminate sentence–you don’t get out of prison until the Parole Board is convinced you are cured of being a sex offender.
Determinate sentencing: Means if the Judge sends you to prison it is a definite term of prison–you do get out.Including:
Class 6 Felony
- Registration as a sex offender
- Fines reaching up to $100,000.00
- Presumptive Between 12 months to 18 years in prison
Class 5 Felony
- Registration as a sex offender
- Presumptive 1 to 3 years in prison
- Fines reaching up to $100,000
Class 4 Felony
- Registration as a sex offender
- Between 2 and 6 years in prison
- Potential court fees and fines up to $500,000.00
Class 3 Felony
- Registration as a sex offender
- Fines reaching up to $750,000
- Presumptive Between 4 and 12 years in prison
Class 2 Felony
- Registration as a sex offender
- Presumptive between 8 to 24 years in prison
- Fines reaching up to $1 million
Misdemeanors may carry lesser penalties depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for Sexual Abuse of a Child
While any sex crime can bring serious consequences, sex crimes against a child are often treated much more harshly.
A misdemeanor sex offender may be facing the following:
- Class 1 Misdemeanor
- Potential registration as a sex offender
- 6 to 24 months in jail
- Potential court fees and fines up to $5000.00
- Sex Offender treatment
In addition to criminal and social repercussions, an individual may also face a civil suit for damages caused to a child.
Penalties for Child Abuse
While not sexual in nature, child abuse can still be a very damaging crime. If convicted, you could face more than just criminal penalties enforced by the court.
The following may be involved in cases of child abuse:
- Felony on your record
- Loss of custody / visitation
- Terminated parental rights
- Time behind bars
- Hundreds to thousands of dollars in fines
In addition to jail time, the most concerning consequence for most parents is the thought of losing their child. These types of accusations can easily be thrown around, especially when the child is too young to speak up for themselves. The penalties are steep, so it is imperative you get legal help.