A sex crime conviction may not only end in a fine and time incarcerated but you might also be court ordered to register as a sex offender with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) database. You will be required to enter personal information on a regular basis and have that information publicly available on their site.
Being labeled as a registered sex offender could drastically change your life. Current or future employers may have issues with how your status reflects on their business. It could even limit your housing options since most landlords run background checks for new tenants. Don’t let one event alter your whole life.
If you or someone you know has been convicted of a sex crime, it’s crucial you have legal representation.
Attorney Explains Sex Offender Registry in Colorado Springs, CO
It can be hard to navigate life with the status of a sex offender. It could lead to issues with both your personal and professional relationships. That is why it’s highly recommended you hire a qualified criminal defense lawyer for your case.
Our attorneys at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC understand how stressful it can be with a sex offender label. Because of this, we want to utilize our extensive resources to fight your sex crime charges. Call us today at (719) 328-1616 to schedule an appointment with a certified defense attorney. Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC represents people accused of crimes throughout the greater El Paso County area including Denver County and Arapahoe County.
Overview of the Sex Offender Database in CO
- What is the Sex Offender Registry Used for in Colorado?
- Will My Information Be Disclosed to the Public?
- Who is Required to Register as a Sex Offender?
- How Long Will I Be Required to Register as a Sex Offender?
- Additional Resources
What is the Sex Offender Registry Used for in Colorado?
Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s runs a sex offender database that is used by both law enforcement agencies and the general public. The site has a search engine built into it where you can look up convicted sex offenders living in your area.
The law requires sex offenders to register with CBI with the following information:
- Name;
- Date of birth;
- Address;
- Instant messaging and chat room screennames;
- Registration status;
- Employer or business;
- Physical description;
- Photograph;
- Full set of fingerprints;
- Any predatory habits listed by CBI; and
- Whether you’re considered a “sexually violent predator”
The court will label you as a “sexually violent predator” if:
- You were 18 or older during the crime or a minor convicted as an adult;
- Were convicted on or after July 1, 1999 of one of the following crimes
- Sexual assault in the first or second-degree;
- Unlawful sexual contact;
- Sexual assault on a child; or
- Sexual assault on a child in position of trust; AND
- The victim was a stranger or you established a relationship to prey on them; and
- CBI ran a risk assessment screening on you and discovered you were likely to commit more sexual offenses in the future.
Will My Information Be Disclosed to the Public?
Colorado law enforcement are required to post your information unless you are:
- Under the age of 18 and convicted as a juvenile; or
- Convicted solely of a sex crimes misdemeanor
If you don’t meet the requirements listed above, then your information will be posted publicly. Employers and licensing agencies will be able to pull up your personal information and a list of your crimes. In some cases, you may be required to disclose your status to your community every time you move.
Who is Required to Register as a Sex Offender?
The majority of sex crimes require you to register as a sex offender if you’re convicted. Listed below are the offenses that require you to register with the CBI sex offender database.
- Unlawful sexual offense convictions on or before July 1, 1991
- An unlawful sexual offense conviction in another state or a similar offense in another jurisdiction on or before July 1, 1991;
- Release on or after July 1, 1991 from any Department of Corrections after serving the full sentence for an unlawful sexual offense; or
- You were convicted of any of the following offenses on or before July 1, 1994
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual Assault as it existed prior to July 1, 2000;
- Unlawful sexual contact as it existed prior to July 1, 2000;
- Sexual assault on a child;
- Sexual assault on a child by one in position of trust;
- Enticement of a child;
- Trafficking in children;
- Sexual exploitation of children;
- Pandering of a child;
- Procurement of a child;
- Procurement of a child for sexual exploitation;
- Pimping a child;
- Inducement of child prostitution;
- Patronizing a prostituted child;
- Keeping a place for child prostitution;
- Wholesale promotion of obscenity to a minor;
- Promotion of obscenity to a minor;
- Internet sexual exploitation of a child;
- Internet luring of a child, felony-level;
- Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification;
- Second-degree kidnapping;
- Public indecency;
- Sexual conduct prohibited by law;
- Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist;
- Incest;
- Aggravated incest; and
- Indecent exposure
You may be required to register on a quarterly basis if:
- You’re classified as a “sexually violent predator;”
- Convicted of a crime in another state that requires you to register as a sex offender; or
- You were convicted as an adult for:
- Incest;
- Aggravated Incest;
- First degree sexual assault;
- Second degree sexual assault;
- Felony level sexual assault;
- Sexual assault on a child;
- Sexual assault on a child by one in position of trust;
- Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist
How Long Will I Required to Register as a Sex Offender?
After a certain time period has passed, you can petition to remove yourself from the registry. The waiting period depends on the crime you were convicted of. Listed below are the minimum periods you must wait before petitioning for a removal from the CBI sex registry.
- Class 1, 2, or 3 felony crimes – 20 years;
- Class 4, 5 or 6 felony crimes – 10 years;
- Class 1 misdemeanor for sexual assault – 10 years
- Class 1 misdemeanor for sexual contact – 10 years
- Other misdemeanors – 5 years
- Deferred sentence from a sex crime – After dismissal of case
- Deferred adjudication from a sex crime – After dismissal of case
- Sex crime by a minor – After dismissal of case
It’s important to note you will remain on the Colorado sex offender registry for life if you were classified as a sexually violent predator by CBI.
Additional Resources
Sex Offender Registry System – Visit the official website for the Colorado Springs Police Department which is another website that lists sex offenders in the area. Access the site to see which law enforcement agencies are involved and look up offenders near you.
Colorado Laws for Failing to Register – Visit the official website of the Colorado Revised Statutes to learn more about the penalties for what happens to people who don’t register as a sex offender, as well as admissible defenses for why someone couldn’t register in time.
Defense Lawyer for Sex Offenders in El Paso County, CO
If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime, it’s imperative you gain legal counsel. An attorney can analyze your situation and help you decide what to do next. Call Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC now and speak to an attorney with years of experience with criminal defense law.
Contact us now at (719) 328-1616 and set up a consultation. We will overlook your case to see the best way to avoid conviction and a sex offender label. Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC accepts clients throughout the greater Colorado Springs area including Fountain, Calhan and Manitou Springs.