You aren't a criminal, but you've been accused of domestic violence.
What comes next?

Sex offenses carry steep penalties in Colorado, and both charges and convictions can follow a person for the rest of their life. However, sex crimes are also some of the easiest to fabricate. A person may have accused you of sexually explicit conduct, and their accusations alone could be enough to significantly alter your life and opportunities.

Before speaking with police or taking any other actions after facing accusations of a sex crime, retain experienced legal counsel to guide your next steps. Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele provides seasoned criminal defense for clients across the Englewood, CO, area.

Examples of Sex Offense Charges in Colorado

Sexual offenses consist of prohibited sexual conduct committed against a victim's will or desire. Colorado recognizes several types of sex offenses, including:

• • Child molestation
  • Child pornography
  • Child abuse
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • Indecent exposure
  • Internet luring
  • Prostitution
  • Pandering/pimping

Many of the offenses listed above can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the alleged offense, the age of the victim, and the use of force. Serious sexual assaults are usually charged as felonies, while lesser offenses may include public indecency or certain sexual contact cases.

Understanding your charges is the first step in exploring your legal options. Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele can break down your sexual offense charges and help you understand the implications and potential paths forward.

Potential Consequences for Those Convicted of Sexual Offenses

Sexual offenses are not taken lightly in Colorado. Many of the offenses enumerated above can lead to prison time, lifetime probation sentences, heavy fines, and life time registration as a sex offender.

In Colorado, you may also face required registration as a sex offender. This public record would include your name and address, details about the crime, and other identifying information.

Sex offenders are generally required to re-register every year, or every three months for those convicted of felony sexual assault or other high-level sex crimes. Depending on the crime committed, a sex offender may be able to petition for removal from the registry after a certain amount of time.

The presence of certain aggravating factors could also increase the severity of penalties. The use of weapons or violence, having a history of sexual crimes, being in a position of authority over the victim, and sexual acts against victims 14 or younger can all elevate the offense.

A sexual offense conviction can follow you for the rest of your life and limit your career, housing, and other opportunities. Allow Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele to build a strong defense against your charges and improve your chances of acquittal.

Building a Defense Against Accusations of Prohibited Sexual Conduct

Creating a solid defense for offenses related to sexual misconduct involves investigating the circumstances of the charges and scrutinizing the prosecution's evidence or showing that the alleged acts do not meet the terms of the relevant statutes.

Possible defenses may include:

• • Proving consensual interaction: Sexual offenses involve a lack of consent. An alleged victim might claim that they did not consent to intercourse or sexual acts that were mutual and consensual at the time. Proving that the act was consensual may be a possible defense in your case.
  • Lack of physical evidence: Some sexual offense charges are based primarily on accusations from the alleged victim, with no real physical evidence of a crime being committed. Your attorney may be able to challenge the victim's testimony to show that their accusations were inaccurate.
  • Mistake of fact: If the alleged act was with someone underage, you may be able to assert that you were under a good-faith belief that they were of legal age and consented to the sexual act. However, Colorado generally requires strict liability for sexual offenses involving minors, so this defense is not always effective. 

In your trial, the prosecution would be required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed a sex offense. Challenging their evidence may be an effective way to prove your innocence. Your attorney can also present additional evidence to support your defense, such as psychological evaluations, evidence of the victim's mental state, proof that the alleged victim has a history of falsifying accusations, and more.

In some cases, pursuing a plea bargain may make sense when facing charges related to sex offenses. Your attorney may be able to negotiate a lower sentence or lesser penalties in exchange for pleading guilty, which may be wise if the evidence is stacked against you.

Our law firm will help you explore all of your options and allow you to stay in control of the path your case takes, whether you would like to go to trial or negotiate a plea deal.

Seek Legal Counsel From Steele Law, P.C.

One day, you are going about life as normal, with no history of criminal charges or experience with the criminal justice system. The next, you are being booked and charged with a sexual offense, facing a trial and significant penalties ahead. Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele understands that this is an overwhelming time, but having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can help you gain confidence in the road ahead.

I value building long-term relationships with my clients, and your future success is extremely important to me.

You may picture criminal defense attorneys as confrontational and abrupt. I take a different approach—my focus is on helping you gain peace of mind, knowing your case is in experienced, dedicated hands.