Sexual assault on a child accusations and charges aren’t just limited to adults. Teenagers in Douglas County, Colorado can find themselves in a similar situation after sexual behavior with someone four or more years younger than them. Sometimes seniors and freshmen in high school or two minors in a youth group share this age gap. Sadly, some juveniles have no idea they’re committing a crime until it’s too late. Often the other child’s parents get involved and make claims. Our juvenile defense attorneys have decades of combined experience with juvenile sexual assault on a child and are prepared to help your son or daughter navigate this complex situation while protecting their future.
What is a Juvenile Sexual Assault on a Child Charge?
A juvenile SAOC charge often stems from teenagers mimicking pornography they’ve viewed or pressure from their peers. The key elements of this offense in Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch include:
- any sexual contact (touching / fondling intimate parts or oral, vaginal, or anal sex),
- between a minor under 18 and someone under 15 who is also 4 or more years younger
Teens can encounter these charges for touching a young girl’s breast over her clothes or having sex with their underage girlfriend / boyfriend. Consent is irrelevant in these cases. Children 14 and younger can’t legally give permission for sexual contact to anyone who is 4 or more years older.
Sex Offender Registration for Juvenile SAOC
An adjudication for sexual assault on a child as a juvenile has many ramifications. Perhaps the most daunting is sex offender registration. While this information isn’t made public as in adult cases, minors still have to follow the sex offender management board’s stipulations. Some teens aren’t allowed to live at home due to siblings being present. Others are strictly monitored in their daily lives. Many juvenile offenders must attend and successfully complete treatment and provide detailed safety plans for all of their activities outside their home.
Attorney for Juvenile Sexual Assault on a Child Charges
An allegation of juvenile SAOC may have you and your family wondering what to do next. Don’t panic or talk to the police. Contact our office for a free, confidential consultation with one of our skilled juvenile defense lawyers. We will carefully analyze your child’s unique case, as well as recommend next steps in their defense. We seek the best possible outcome for each of our clients and will fight to protect your child’s future. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make strategic representation for your son or daughter a reality in these uncertain times.
So, don’t talk to the police about juvenile sexual assault charges – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-830-0880.
Photo by Eric Ayon
