In Greeley, Colorado, any unwanted touching or groping of another person’s intimate parts could lead to an Unlawful Sexual Contact charge. This criminal charge is usually a misdemeanor and many defendants will not see this as serious crime. However, if you are facing an Unlawful Sexual Contact charge in Greeley or Weld County, you must hire experienced lawyers. This charge can lead to significant time in jail, sex offender treatment and sex offender registration. You want the lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office defending your case and getting you the best outcome. Below, our lawyers will discuss what you need to know about Unlawful Sexual Contact Charge in Greeley, Colorado. If you are facing an Unlawful Sexual Contact charge in Larimer County get help here.
The 4 Key Facts on Unlawful Sexual Contact in Greeley, Colorado discussed below are:
- What is the Definition of Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404, in Weld County?
- What is the Legal Definition of “Consent” and “Sexual Contact” in, C.R.S. 18-3-404, Unlawful Sexual Contact in Greeley, Colorado?
- In Weld County, What is the Difference Between Unlawful Sexual Contact and Sexual Harassment?
- What are the Punishment and Sentence for Unlawful Sexual Contact in Greeley, Colorado?
#1. What is the Definition of Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404, in Weld County?
Unlawful Sexual Contact is defined in Weld County Courts, by C.R.S. 18-3-404 as:
(a) The actor knows that the victim does not consent; or
(b) The actor knows that the victim is incapable of appraising the nature of the victim’s conduct; or
(c) The victim is physically helpless and the actor knows that the victim is physically helpless and the victim has not consented; or
(d) The actor has substantially impaired the victim’s power to appraise or control the victim’s conduct by employing, without the victim’s consent, any drug, intoxicant, or other means for the purpose of causing submission; or
(e) Repealed.
(f) The victim is in custody of law enforcement or detained in a hospital or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim and uses this position of authority, unless incident to a lawful search, to coerce the victim to submit; or
(g) The actor engages in treatment or examination of a victim for other than bona fide medical purposes or in a manner substantially inconsistent with reasonable medical practices.
#2 What is the Legal Definition of “Consent” and “Sexual Contact” In, C.R.S. 18-3-404, Unlawful Sexual Contact in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley sexual crimes, it is important to understand the definition of key words used in C.R.S. 18-3-404, Unlawful Sexual Contact. The definition of “Consent” is:
The definition of “Sexual Contact” is:
Having these definitions in hand, makes it easier to understand the significance of the actions of a defendant. For example, if Bill brushes by a woman in a bar and accidently hit her buttocks, that is not “Sexual Contact.” However, if Bill slaps the bartender’s buttock because he “like her butt,” then that is “Sexual Contact” and there was no “Consent” by the bartender.
#3 In Weld County What is the Difference Between Unlawful Sexual Contact and Sexual Harassment?
It is common for a person to think that Sexual Harassment and Unlawful Sexual Contact are the same thing in Weld County, however they are not. Sexual Harassment is generally discussed as a form of discrimination in the workplace. This is either unwanted sexual advances, conduct that disrupts the workplace or when sexual contact is made as an arrangement for positive treatment in the workplace. Unlawful Sexual Contact as defined in C.R.S. 18-3-404, is specific to touching intimate parts. It is important to note that while Sexual Harassment is most commonly a civil matter, if there is touching involved, a person could be criminally charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact.
#4 What are the Punishment and Sentence for Unlawful Sexual Contact in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Unlawful Sexual Contact is sentenced as a class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction can have penalties of $500 – $5,000 in fines, and 6 months – 2 years in Weld County Jail. If the Unlawful Sexual Contact involved force, intimidation, or a threat, unlawful sexual contact is a class 4 felony. The penalties for this can be $2,000 – $500,000 in fines, and 2 to 8 years in a Colorado State Prison. Both the felony and misdemeanor are also an Extraordinary Risk Crime, which means that the maximum time possible the Weld County Jail or prison will be increased.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact Charge in Greeley, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal Sex Crime defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels