Colorado’s sex offender sentencing statute is unbelievably complex. There are vastly different penalties depending on how a case might be charged.
Some sex assault charges require prison while others do not. Some allow for a probation sentence while others do not.
James Merson is a highly rated and aggressive criminal defense attorney that provides high quality legal representation to those accused of sex offenses throughout Colorado.
Sex offense charges are very serious allegations that carry consequences that are more severe than most other felony charges.
If you are accused of a sex offense, you need an experienced sex offense attorney that can provide you with a passionate and dedicated defense.
If you are accused of a sex offense in Colorado, you probably have many questions about what penalties can be imposed.
Set up a free consultation today to get some answers.
Colorado’s approach to sentencing individuals convicted of sex offenses is multifaceted, emphasizing public safety, rehabilitation, and structured supervision. The state’s legal framework includes provisions for indeterminate sentencing, intensive supervision, mandatory treatment, and lifetime supervision, all aimed at reducing recidivism and protecting the community.
In Colorado, many sex offense convictions are subject to indeterminate sentencing. This means that while a court imposes a minimum sentence, the maximum duration of incarceration is not fixed and can extend up to the remainder of the individual’s life. The decision to release an offender is contingent upon their progress in treatment and rehabilitation, as assessed by the Colorado Parole Board. This system is designed to ensure that individuals are not released until they have demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation and pose no undue risk to the community.
For certain offenders, particularly those convicted of non-violent, low-risk sex offenses, the court may opt for probation under the Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Program (SOISP).
This program imposes stringent conditions, including:
Violations of any SOISP conditions can result in the revocation of probation and a return to incarceration.
Upon conviction, offenders are required to undergo comprehensive evaluations to assess their risk levels and treatment needs. These evaluations inform individualized treatment plans aimed at addressing specific risk factors and reducing the likelihood of reoffending. Treatment is provided by approved providers in accordance with standards set by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB).The SOMB develops guidelines for the assessment, evaluation, treatment, and behavioral monitoring of adult sex offenders and juveniles who have committed sex offenses.
Under the Colorado Sex Offender Lifetime Supervision Act, individuals convicted of certain felony sex offenses are subject to lifetime supervision. This supervision can be in the form of probation or incarceration, depending on the case.Offenders on lifetime supervision are required to comply with stringent conditions, including lifetime registration as sex offenders and regular evaluations to assess their risk to the community.
Convicted sex offenders in Colorado are mandated to register with law enforcement agencies. The frequency and duration of registration depend on the severity of the offense and the offender’s risk level. For most offenders, registration is a lifelong requirement. However, individuals convicted of less severe offenses may petition for removal from the registry after a specified period, provided they have complied with all registration requirements and demonstrated rehabilitation.
If you have been accused of a sex offense in Colorado that carries some of the long lasting consequences mentioned above, your future is in jeopardy. Do not go into the fight without an experienced advocate. Choosing an experienced lawyer is the best decision you can make early on in your case. If you need representation in Adams County, Weld County, Longmont, Boulder, Fort Collins, Erie, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Berthoud, Niwot, Dacono, or Lyons, schedule a free consultation today.
Contact Merson Law Office at (970) 219-2923 or fill out an intake form here.
970-219-2923