Misdemeanor sex crimes carry fewer penalties than felony sexual offenses in Greeley, Colorado, but are nonetheless dangerous to your future.  Conviction for a misdemeanor sexual offense can entail time at the Weld County Jail, mandatory sex offender registration, sex offender treatment, and more.  People convicted of a misdemeanor sex crime know it is hard to find a job when a crime like Indecent Exposure shows up on their criminal record.  It is humiliating it is to register on the Sex Offender Registry, and personal relationships can be wrecked because of it.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor sex crime, time is of the essence.  Contact a top criminal defense lawyer today to discuss your case, and we can help you protect your future.

Public Indecency, C.R.S. 18-7-301 in Greeley, CO

Public Indecency, C.R.S. 18-7-301, is a petty offense in Greeley, CO, and can be charged for any one of several different acts committed in public.  These include:

• Having sex.
• Exposing an intimate part that is not genitalia – e.g., breasts or buttocks – to try to satisfy another person’s sexual desire.
• Exposing your genitals to another person when the intent is not to arouse another person – e.g., urinating in public.
• Fondling another person.

Indecent Exposure, C.R.S. 18-7-302 at the Weld County Court

Similarly, Indecent Exposure, C.R.S. 18-7-302, is charged at the Weld County Court when a person commits one of two acts, either in public or to the view of another person, under circumstances that would most likely cause affront or alarm.  Indecent Exposure can be charged for masturbating in the view of another person, or for exposing genitals to another person in an attempt to arouse them.  Indecent Exposure is usually a class 1 misdemeanor.  Nonetheless, it can instead be charged as a class 6 felony if the defendant has been previously been convicted of Indecent Exposure twice before.  Alternatively, it is a class 6 felony if the exposure was to the view of a child under 15 years old, and the defendant was more than 4 years older than the victim.

Greeley Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404

Simply put, Unlawful Sexual Contact is charged for sexually touching another person without their consent.  Unlawful Sexual Contact is also a class 1 misdemeanor, but can be charged as a class 4 felony if the defendant used force, intimidation, or threats to coerce the victim into submitting.  It is also a class 4 felony when the defendant pretends to provide medical care to a person in order to engage in sexual contact.

Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification, C.R.S. 18-3-405.6 in Weld County

Voyeurism and “Peeping Tom” Accusations

Voyeurism for the sake of sexual arousal is charged as Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification, C.R.S. 18-3-405.6, in Weld County.  In other words, Colorado law prohibits the act of observing or photographing another person’s intimate parts without their consent when that person is in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.  For example, it is a crime to watch or photograph another person who is in their bedroom or bathroom.  This crime is also referred to as voyeurism, or being a “peeping tom.”

Like other misdemeanor sex crimes, Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification is a class 1 misdemeanor.  However, it can be charged as a class 6 felony if the defendant:

• Has been previously convicted of unlawful sexual behavior under C.R.S. 16-22-102 (9), or
• The alleged victim is under 15 years old, and the defendant is at least 4 years older.

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, C.R.S. 18-3-412.5 in Greeley

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, C.R.S. 18-3-412.5, is charged whenever a person required to register as a sex offender in Greeley fails to do so.  This crime is also charged when a person registers, but fails to provide accurate information, whether intentionally or accidentally.  Failure to Register is a class 1 misdemeanor when a person is required to register for a misdemeanor sex offense.  Failure to Register for a felony sex crime is instead charged as a class 6 felony.

Do You Have to Register as a Sex Offender for a Misdemeanor Sexual Offense in Weld County?

Yes, misdemeanor sexual offense convictions require registering as a sex offender in Weld County.  Public Indecency – which is a petty offense, not a misdemeanor – is the exception.  A defendant’s first Public Indecency conviction will not trigger the requirement to register on the Sex Offender Registry / SOR.  However, a second conviction within five years of the first, or a third Public Indecency conviction, will mean that the defendant will be required to register.

The good news is that in most cases, you are eligible to petition to deregister from the SOR after five years have passed since you were released from the Weld County Court’s jurisdiction for a misdemeanor conviction.  This means that five years must have passed since you successfully completed your Weld County Jail sentence, probation, or any other sentencing requirement.  Unfortunately, if you were convicted of misdemeanor Unlawful Sexual Contact, you must instead wait 10 years after your probation or sentence is completed before you can petition to discontinue registration.

Weld County Jail Time and Other Penalties for Misdemeanor Sex Offenses

Misdemeanor sex offenses, though less serious than felonies, still entail several different penalties, including Weld County Jail time.  If you are convicted of a misdemeanor sex crime, the Weld County Courts may impose the following penalties:

• Up to 364 days in the Weld County Jail
• A maximum fine of $1,000
• Sex offender treatment
• Restitution to the victim, if applicable
• Sex offender registration for at least 5 years
• Personal consequences, such as job loss due to your criminal record

Contact a Top Greeley Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor sexual offense, it’s time to contact a top Greeley sex crimes lawyer today.  Representation by the best criminal defense attorney is critical.  The lawyer you hire can make all the difference in whether you get probation over Weld County Jail time, whether your case is resolved through an attractive plea bargain, or whether your case is dismissed outright.  Don’t underestimate the gravity of your charges – contact us today to discuss your case.  We can fight on your behalf at the Weld County Courts and help protect your future.