Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience
Colorado Sexual Assault Defense Attorney
We provide strategic, compassionate, and relentless defense for individuals.
Sexual Assault Defense in Aurora and Denver Metro Area
Sexual assault is one of the most serious charges within Colorado criminal defense—and it is part of a broader category of sex crimes defense that carries life-altering consequences for anyone accused. Defined under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-402, a conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and lasting damage to your reputation, career, and personal life—even when allegations are false, exaggerated, or based on incomplete evidence.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we provide strategic, discreet, and aggressive defense for individuals facing sexual assault and other serious sex crime allegations. These cases are highly complex and often hinge on credibility, forensic evidence, and constitutional protections, making experienced legal representation critical from the very beginning.
If you are under investigation or have been charged, speak with a Colorado sexual assault defense attorney serving Aurora, Denver, Arapahoe County, and surrounding areas. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and begin building your defense immediately.
Understanding Colorado's Sexual Assault Statute: C.R.S. 18-3-402
Under C.R.S. 18-3-402, a person commits sexual assault if they knowingly inflict sexual intrusion or sexual penetration on another person without consent. This statute outlines several scenarios that may constitute a violation, including:
- The victim is unable to consent due to mental impairment, intoxication, or physical helplessness
- The actor uses force, intimidation, or threat
- The actor knows the victim does not consent
- The actor uses deception (e.g., misrepresenting medical necessity or identity)
- The victim is under the age of consent
The law encompasses a wide range of factual scenarios and does not always require physical resistance by the alleged victim. This makes the defense of these charges especially nuanced.
It is always important to speak with a Colorado sexual defense attorney.
Legal Definitions of Sexual Assault Under C.R.S. 18-3-402
To understand the scope of this statute, it’s important to break down a few key legal terms:
- Sexual Penetration: Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration by any object or body part.
- Sexual Intrusion: Any intrusion, however slight, by any object or body part into the genital or anal openings of another person.
- Consent: A voluntary, knowing agreement. A person cannot legally consent if they are unconscious, intoxicated, or mentally incapacitated.
- Physical Helplessness: A state in which the person is unable to communicate unwillingness to act, often due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or injury.
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Protect your future with a Colorado sexual assault defense attorney who knows how to fight aggressively for your rights. Call today for a confidential consultation and start building the strong defense you deserve.
Penalties for Sexual Assault in Colorado
Sexual assault charges are classified based on aggravating factors such as the use of force, the age of the victim, and the presence of bodily injury. In most cases, the allegations are prosecuted as serious felony offenses, making it critical to understand how Colorado courts handle felony-level charges. The penalties under C.R.S. 18-3-402 are severe:
Class 4 Felony (Base Offense)
- 2 to 8 years in prison (presumptive range)
- Mandatory parole of 3 years
- Fines of $2,000 to $500,000
- Mandatory sex offender registration
Class 3 Felony (Aggravated Sexual Assault)
If the assault involves force, threats of death or injury, multiple perpetrators, or results in serious bodily injury:
- 4 to 12 years in prison (presumptive)
- Up to life imprisonment in indeterminate sentencing cases
- Mandatory parole of 5 years
- Fines of up to $750,000
Indeterminate Sentencing Under Colorado Law
Many sexual assault cases require indeterminate sentencing under Colorado law, meaning a defendant could be imprisoned for an undefined period, such as “10 years to life.” Release is contingent upon treatment compliance and parole board approval—not guaranteed after the minimum term.
Sexual Assault and the Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act
A conviction under C.R.S. 18-3-402 requires mandatory registration as a sex offender. This registration severely restricts where a person can live and work and may require compliance with strict supervision and treatment conditions.
In the most serious cases, individuals may be labeled Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) under C.R.S. 18-3-414.5, triggering:
- Community notification upon release
- Lifetime registration
- Intensive supervision
Even if you are not convicted, merely being charged can have devastating social and professional consequences. That’s why early and aggressive legal representation is essential.
Defenses to Sexual Assault Allegations in Colorado
No two sexual assault cases are alike. Successful defense strategies depend on the specific facts of your case and often require a thorough investigation, expert analysis, and strategic courtroom advocacy. Common defenses include:
- Consent: The most common defense, especially when there is no physical evidence of force or injury.
- False Allegations: Motivated by revenge, custody disputes, or social pressure.
- Mistaken Identity: Especially in cases involving limited eyewitness testimony or DNA issues.
- Lack of Evidence: Inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s statement, absence of physical evidence, or unreliable witnesses.
- Unlawful Police Conduct: Including illegal searches, improper interrogations, or coerced confessions.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we thoroughly analyze every aspect of your case, from the initial police report to forensic evidence, in order to craft the most effective defense possible.
The Role of Forensic and Medical Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
In sexual assault cases, physical and forensic evidence can play a critical role. This may include:
- DNA results
- Medical exams (e.g., SANE reports)
- Toxicology reports
- Digital evidence (texts, social media messages, location tracking)
However, the absence of forensic evidence does not mean a person cannot be charged. Many sexual assault prosecutions rely solely on the testimony of the alleged victim.
An experienced defense attorney knows how to challenge the reliability of this evidence and prevent wrongful convictions.
What to Expect If You Are Charged With Sexual Assault in Colorado
Facing a sexual assault charge can be overwhelming. The legal process typically involves:
- Investigation: Often initiated before formal charges are filed. Law enforcement may conduct interviews, collect evidence, or obtain search warrants.
- Arrest or Summons: You may be taken into custody or ordered to appear in court.
- Formal Charges and Advisement: Charges are read in court. Bail or bond may be addressed.
- Pretrial Proceedings: Includes discovery, motions to suppress evidence, and plea negotiations.
- Trial: If a plea is not reached, the case proceeds to trial where a jury determines guilt or innocence.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties, including prison and sex offender registration.
Your constitutional rights during this process include:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to counsel
- The right to confront witnesses
- The right to a fair trial
Why Choose Our Colorado Sexual Assault Defense Attorney
- 15+ Years of Experience
- Focused on Colorado Sex Crimes: We know the courts, the prosecutors, and the laws governing sexual assault in Colorado.
- Aggressive Defense Strategy: We investigate every detail, challenge the prosecution’s case, and advocate for your rights at every stage.
- Discreet and Compassionate Representation: We understand the sensitivity of these charges and provide legal counsel with the highest degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Accessible and Responsive: We offer flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends, and are always available to address your concerns.
Counties Were We Handle Sexual Assault
When facing allegations of sexual assault, where your case is filed can make a major difference in the process and outcome. At Lawrence Law Firm, our Colorado sexual assault defense attorney represents clients across multiple counties, providing experienced guidance and local insight into each court system.
Arapahoe County – From the Justice Center in Centennial to local municipal courts, we defend clients against life-changing accusations.
Adams County – Our team is familiar with prosecutors and judges in Brighton, helping you navigate serious charges with strategic defense.
Denver County – Defending sexual assault cases in Denver requires in-depth knowledge of jury pools, court procedures, and local tendencies.
Douglas County – We understand the conservative approach often taken in Castle Rock courts and craft defenses tailored to these realities.
Jefferson County – At the Jefferson County Courthouse in Golden, we bring determined advocacy to protect your rights and future.
Wherever your case is filed, having a Colorado sexual assault defense attorney who regularly appears in these counties means you benefit from both statewide legal knowledge and local courtroom experience.
Speak With A Sexual Assault Defense Attorney Today
If you’re facing sexual assault charges under C.R.S. 18-3-402, you cannot afford to face the system alone. These allegations fall within the broader category of sex crimes defense attorney, where the stakes are uniquely high and the consequences can follow you for life. Whether you are under investigation, recently arrested, or already charged, early intervention by experienced counsel can make a critical difference in how your case is handled and ultimately resolved.
From the outset, these cases often involve detailed investigations, forensic evidence, and sensitive allegations that require a strategic and careful approach. Law enforcement may already be building a case before formal charges are filed, which is why having an attorney involved as early as possible can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and avoid missteps that could impact your defense.
Contact our Colorado sexual assault defense attorney today for a free, confidential consultation. We will take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and begin building a defense aimed at protecting your record, your reputation, and your future.
Speak With A Sexual Assault Defense Attorney Today
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Contact Information
Address
2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865
Aurora, CO 80014
Contact
lain@coloradodefenders.com
Ph: 720-369-4929
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm
Weekends and Afterhours
By Appointment
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