Are you facing an Unlawful Sexual Contact charge in Greeley, Colorado or Weld County? Unwanted touching or grouping can land a defendant in jail, a hefty fine, and a criminal record. When you are facing a Sex Crime, it is important to have an aggressive Unlawful Sexual Contact lawyer who can help you build a solid defense. Below, the criminal defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office will discuss Unlawful Sexual Contact.
Legal Definition of Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404 in Greeley, Colorado
The definition of Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404, in Greeley is:
(1) Any actor who knowingly subjects a victim to any sexual contact commits unlawful sexual contact if:
(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(e) Repealed.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 the law 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.
(1.5) Any person who knowingly, with or without sexual contact, induces or coerces a child by any of the means set forth in section 18-3-402 to expose intimate parts or to engage in any sexual contact, intrusion, or penetration with another person, for the purpose of the actor’s own sexual gratification, commits unlawful sexual contact. For the purposes of this subsection (1.5), the term “child” means any person under the age of eighteen years.
Unlawful Sexual Contact can be charged if two things happen. First there is unwanted touching of someone’s intimate parts without consent, and secondly it is for the purpose of your own sexual gratification. It is important to note that this crime can also be charged if there is an enticing of a child under eighteen years old to expose their intimate parts.
What is the Difference Between Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Unlawful Sexual Contact in Weld County?
In Weld County and across Colorado, people often use the term Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Unlawful Sexual Contact interchangeably when in fact they are three different criminal charges. As stated above, Unlawful Sexual Contact involves unwanted touching or groping, whereas Sexual Assault is sexual intrusion or sexual penetration on a victim. You can learn more about Sexual Assault or Rape here. Sexual Harassment is more commonly used as a workplace term and is mostly a civil matter and not a criminal charge. If there is unwanted touching in a Sexual Harassment case, there could be grounds for a criminal charge of Unwanted Sexual Contact / Unlawful Sexual Contact.
Sentence and Penalties for Unlawful Sexual Contact in Severance, Ault, and Windsor, Colorado
The sentence for Unlawful Sexual Contact in Severance, Ault or Windsor is a class 1 misdemeanor, with penalties of 364 days in the Weld County Jail, and fine of up to $1,000. However, if the sexual contact is by force, intimidation, or threat, sexual contact becomes a felony with penalties of an indeterminate sentence to the Colorado State Prison, and fines. It is also important to know that a conviction on either a felony or misdemeanor sex crime charge will require you to Register as a Sex Offender. To learn more about Sex Offender Registry get help here.
Leading Weld County Sex Crimes Lawyers
If you are facing a Unlawful Sexual Contact charge or another Sex Crime in Weld County, it is important to have experienced lawyers skilled in getting favorable outcomes for their clients. Sometimes a client may not think that a misdemeanor is a big deal, however facing time in jail, fines, and having to register as a sex offender is a huge deal. These consequences can have lasting effects on your life and schooling or career. Let the defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office aggressively fight for the best outcome in your case.