In Greeley, Colorado, when an adult communicates with a child (who is under 15 years of age) about sexual content and then attempts to meet with the child for any reason, they can be charged with Internet Luring of a Child. In Colorado Springs, a man was recently charged with the felony of Internet Luring of a Child. The man was charged after he communicated on a dating app with an undercover civilian who was impersonating a 14 year old child. The man then made plans to meet up with the supposed 14-year-old, and was met with a civilian group who called the police. If the man is found to have believed he was talking to a 14-year-old about sexual content and have gone to the meeting to meet the “child”, then he could be convicted of the Internet Luring of Child charge. There is no requirement that the child be real – only that the man believe they are.
Definition of Internet Luring of Child, C.R.S. 18-3-306, in Weld County, Colorado
The definition of Internet Luring of Child, C.R.S. 18-3-306, in Weld County is:
In the case above, the man was allegedly communicating sexually with a child on a dating app which would fall under the “data network” classification in the above statute. Although the app said that users must be 18 years or older to use the app, it is alleged that the man knew he was communicating with a 14 year when he set up, and went to the meeting.
In Greeley, Colorado, What are the Penalties and Sentence for Internet Luring of a Child?
In Greeley, the low end sentence for Internet Luring of a child is a class 5 felony with penalties of 1-3 years in the Colorado State prison, and a fine of $1,000-$100,000. If the defendant was found to have gone to meet-up with the child for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, then the sentence would be a class 4 felony with penalties of 2-6 years in prison, fine of $2,000-$500,000, and 3 years mandatory parole. He’d be required to complete mandatory registration as a Colorado Sex Offender. He could also be charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child, C.R.S. 18-6-403. You can find more about this charge here.
Internet Luring Defenses and Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Weld County
If you have been accused of Internet Luring of a Child, hiring an experienced Sex Crimes criminal defense attorney is essential. An O’Malley Law Office attorney can help you navigate the Weld County Court system and fight for your future. Facing a felony, significant time in prison and a large fine can alter your future and cause loss of your job and livelihood.
How to Win Your Internet Luring of a Child Court Case
Winning your court case for Internet Luring is critical. It all starts with a close study of the definition of this crime and then looking for defense strategies. While it depends on the specifics of your case, some common defenses for Internet Luring of a Child are:
- You did not invite the child to meet you.
- The child was older than 15 years of age.
- The communication was not over a computer, computer type device, or phone.
- There was no communication of explicit sexual conduct.
- You had good reason to know that the child was not under 15 years of age
If you’re facing allegations of Internet Luring of a Child in Greeley or Weld County from a police sting or a real child, call the O’Malley Law Office today. Don’t leave your future up to luck or fate, but contact our experienced criminal defense lawyers today. Call 970-616-6009 to speak with one of our Weld County experienced Sex Crimes Lawyers in the Greeley area. Together, we can protect your future.
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