Does Colorado Have Romeo & Juliet Laws?
Yes. Like some U.S. states, Colorado honors a close-in-age exemption (commonly known as a “Romeo and Juliet” law) that can apply in certain circumstances. There are two exceptions to statutory rape charges under state law, including:
- The close-in-age exception: Minors under the age of 15 can legally consent to sexual relations with a partner who is no more than 10 years older. Likewise, minors who are 15 or 16 can consent to sex with someone who is no more than 4 years older.
- The marriage exception: Married spouses can legally consent to sexual relations regardless of age.
What Are the Penalties for Statutory Rape?
Statutory rape is prosecuted as a felony offense under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) §18-3-402. The penalties of a statutory rape conviction will vary depending on certain factors, primarily the age differential between the victim and the offender.
Defendants can face various types of felony charges after committing statutory rape. These include:
- Class 4 Felony: If the victim was younger than 15 and the defendant was at least 4 years older at the time of the offense, the offender can face Class 4 felony charges punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison and $2,000 to $500,000 in fines.
- Class 6 Felony: If the victim was 15 or 16 and the defendant was at least 10 years older than the victim at the time of the offense, this is considered a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 year to 18 months in prison and $1,000 to $100,000 in fines.
Statutory Rape & Sex Offender Registration
In Colorado, a conviction for statutory rape results in mandatory sex offender registration. This means that even if you are able to avoid jail time, your information (including your name, address, and other personal details) will be publicly listed on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s sex offender registry. Convicted sex offenders must update their registration periodically, and failure to do so can result in additional criminal charges.
Registering as a sex offender can negatively affect every aspect of your life, from employment opportunities to dating and relationships to where you choose to live. If you're facing statutory rape charges in Colorado Springs, it's critical to consult with a statutory rape defense attorney as soon as possible to avoid the lasting consequences of a felony conviction.
Set up an initial consultation with our office today. Discuss your case with our Colorado Springs Lawyers at
(719) 212-2448 or complete our contact form.
Colorado Springs Statutory Rape Attorneys
Fierce Defense Against Statutory Rape Charges
Facing criminal charges for a sex crime can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether you just made a poor choice or were unaware of the illegality of your actions, securing a strong defense is imperative to avoid the lasting consequences of a sexual assault conviction. If you were charged with statutory rape in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area, our knowledgeable statutory rape defense lawyers can fight to get the criminal penalties against you reduced or dismissed.
With nearly two decades of experience defending the accused, our seasoned attorneys have extensive knowledge of criminal law to aggressively defend your rights. Don’t risk a felony conviction by failing to seek an experienced defense after statutory rape charges. When you partner with The Gasper Law Group, our diligent team can help fortify your case with relevant evidence and build the strongest defense possible to ensure your side of the story is heard.
Understanding Statutory Rape Laws in Colorado
In Colorado, statutory rape is a sex crime that occurs when a person engages in nonconsensual sexual activity with a minor (any person under the age of 17). In other words, it’s illegal for any individual, regardless of age, to engage in sexual relations with a minor. This is true even if the minor considers the sex to be consensual, as minors cannot legally consent to sex under state law.
Statutory rape is an extremely serious crime that can result in harsh penalties. Get a Free Consultation Today with a dedicated defense attorney in Colorado Springs.
Contact a Statutory Rape Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs
While facing criminal charges can be a frightening experience, you don’t have to fight this battle by yourself. At The Gasper Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers are committed to defending the rights of the accused in Colorado Springs and beyond. From DUI defense to sex crimes involving minors, our attorneys have the determination and diverse skillset to defend your rights in criminal court. Our team has served hundreds of thousands of clients, equipping us with invaluable knowledge and experience to safeguard your freedom and fight for the fair outcome you deserve.
If you were arrested for statutory rape, a strong defense is crucial to avoid lifelong consequences. Call (719) 212-2448 to request a free consultation.
-
"I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team!"I used the Gasper Law Group when I was going through my divorce and child custody case. I got the outcome I wanted, Carrie Kelly and Kimberly Lucas made my life 10x easier considering i didn’t know what I was doing. They were patient, and caring and even made me laugh a few times. I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team! I’m now happily divorced and got my kiddo 50/50! You guys rock and if anything comes up in the future, I’ll be sure to use you guys! Thanks so much gasper law group for the fast and professional services!- Micheala E.
-
"I was absolutely floored with the knowledge and expertise that not only Caryn carries, but the firm as a whole."I, unfortunately, was involved with two separate situations within a few years of each other, which left me in quite a bind both times. I was lucky enough to have Caryn assist me in both cases and was absolutely floored with the knowledge and expertise that not only she carries, but the firm as a whole. One of the best, if not the best lawyers I've ever come across. Extremely nice and very honest. I was able to resolve my situations with minimal impact and continue my life without fear of being held back.- Former Client
-
"A courteous, respectful, and efficient group"Highly professional team of attorneys and paralegal staff who work hard to reach the best outcomes for their clients. A courteous, respectful, and efficient group in all phases and aspects of due diligence, and discovery with effective preparation of cases entrusted to them. I recommend them highly and without reservation in all areas of the law in which they are eminently qualified.- Salah H.
-
"If you need legal help use Gasper, ask for Christine I am thankful I did!!!"I don't write many reviews! Gasper Law Group proved to be worthy of my highest recommendation. Everyone at some time will need some legal service, but where to go. I want you to know Gasper Law Group can help you save what you might stand to lose. I really want you to know Christine S. is the finest Family Law Attorney you will find. Christine is experienced, committed to her clients, and will help save what whats most important to you. I would so like the leadership of Gasper Law Group to know how fortunate they are to have a team member of her Caliber. If you need legal help use Gasper, and ask for Christine I am thankful I did!!!- Eric D.
-
"Thank you so much! You helped complete our family and we are forever grateful."Christine, Kris, and Ebony are amazing and compassionate. We enjoyed every interaction. Gasper Law firm keeps appropriate communication and not in excess which keeps our cost low. We are so very grateful. Even if an unexpected turn in our guardianship hearing they remained diligent to ensure things were done in a timely manner. Thank you so much! You helped complete our family and we are forever grateful.- Misty M.
-
"They answered every call, every email from me in the long process of this probate and they all was very professional"
I really want to Thank Jack, Emily, and Therese for all their hard work taking care of my sister Pamela Bellos’s estate , they answered every call, every email from me in the long process of this probate and they all was very professional
- Karen B. -
"Don’t have much hope? Leave it to Caryn she will change that."I dug myself a deep hole and didn’t have much hope or luck with the attorney I used before. I called Gasper law group and Caryn Adams was my attorney that took charge of everything. I couldn’t have asked for anything better the outcome she made possible is everything I wanted. She is great at her job and takes cases seriously … don’t have much hope leave it to Caryn she will change that. Thanks Gasper law group you’re the best!- Mike L.
-
"Attentive and supportive"The Gasper Law Group was fantastic. They treated me well and were very open about my situation. The team was attentive and made sure I fully understood everything, supporting me all the way. I would recommend them to anyone for any situation.- Jason E.
Why Choose The Gasper Law Group?
-
Offering Payment Plans
-
Helping People First
-
Committed to the Community