Are you guilty of a sexual crime? Most people will answer “no.” But, under the standards of our current laws, many people have committed sexual crimes. They just haven’t been charged. Let me explain. Did you know that slapping a woman’s butt in the bar after a few too many drinks, or going a bit too far on the dance floor and touch a woman’s chest are both sexual crimes? If you do either of these actions and the other person is offended, they could report you. You could be charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact in Greeley, Evans, or Erie. The problem with Unlawful Sexual Contact is it is a serious sex offense. Let’s dig deeper into this crime to understand just how easily it is charged.
What is Unlawful Sexual Contact in Weld County?
A person will be charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact if they knowingly subject another person to any “sexual contact” when the alleged victim doesn’t consent, is unable to consent (because of physical or mental impairment), is substantially impaired due to alcohol consumption, or when the actor downs the alleged victim is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct. Obviously, in order to understand this crime, we need to take a closer look at the term of “sexual contact”:
The Definition of “Sexual Contact”
Sexual contact is the purposeful touching of another person’s intimate parts (external genitalia, butt or breasts), or of the clothing touching another person’s intimate parts, if the purpose of the contact is for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse.
Charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact without Evidence? This is a Common Occurrence
The problem with this crime is that it is charged easily. Usually, in Unlawful Sexual Contact cases, it is one person’s word against another. No evidence is required for a conviction. After all, touching someone’s clothed butt or breasts doesn’t leave any evidence. A man could be dancing with a woman at a club, and get into the moment and the music, and touch her butt or breast. She could even be fine with the contact at that time, but change her mind and accuse him of Unlawful Sexual Contact in the morning. When laws are this vague and obscure, innocent people are charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact and pay a heavy price.
When definitions and terms are vague, innocent people are charged and pay a heavy price.
The Consequences of an Unlawful Sexual Contact Conviction
Unfortunately, Unlawful Sexual Contact is a sex offense. This means that if a person is convicted, they will be required to undergo sex offender treatment (overseen by the harsh, invasive Sex Offender Management Board), and register as a sex offender. Registered sex offenders live restricted lives – they are unable to get certain jobs or housing, and may lose contact with loved ones. If you have been charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact, contact an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer in Morgan, Weld, and Logan County to fight to protect your future.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact in Fort Morgan or Fort Lupton, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the
“Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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