Colorado takes sex crimes very seriously. A person who is convicted of a sex offense may be required by law to register as a sex offender. Broadly explained, the Colorado Sex Offender Registry is a database that provides publicly accessible information on registered sex offenders. It is maintained by the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC). Here, our Colorado sex crimes defense lawyer provides an overview of the key points to know about our state’s sex offender registry requirements.
Understanding the Colorado Sex Offender Registry Requirements
Colorado’s sex offender registration laws exist to protect the general public from the (inherent) risk that people with sexual offenses on their record are deemed to pose. Our state strictly enforces sexual offender registration laws. Failure to comply with any sexual offender registration requirements that are applicable is, by itself, a criminal offense. It can lead to an immediate arrest and a serious felony charge. Here is what you need to know about Colorado’s sex offender laws:
- The Basic Registration Requirement: Most sex offenses require mandatory registration in Colorado. You have to register even if you were convicted in another state. As long as your conviction was for a sex-based offense classified as a felony and/or is defined as a sex offense under CRS § 18-3-411, you must register. Notably, you must register as a sex offender if you meet the requirements and you live, work, or attend school within the State of Colorado. Your actual state of residence does not matter. The deadline to register is five days after a conviction or five days after entering Colorado for residency, work, or school.
- Comprehensive Personal Information Must Be Provided: For those required to register as a sex offender in Colorado, a wide range of personal information must be provided to local law enforcement as part of the legal requirements. More specifically, convicted sex offenders must provide: 1) Their full name, 2) Any aliases, 3) Current address, 4) Any secondary residences, 5) Place of employment, 6) Any schools attended, 7) Vehicle information, 8) An updated photograph, 9) Fingerprints, and 10) A DNA sample.
- Registration May or May Not Be Permanent: How long do you have to register as a sex offender in Colorado? The answer depends on case-specific factors. The length of time required for registration is based primarily on the severity of the offense. Though, a person’s history (repeat violations) may be a factor as well. As a general rule, sex offender registration in Colorado can range from 15 years to a life.
- A Provide Requirement to Notify Law Enforcement of Any Changes: When a person is required to register as a sex offender in Colorado, it becomes their legal responsibility to notify law enforcement of any relevant changes to their personal information. Among other things, this means reporting any changes in address, employment, or enrollment in educational programs. All changes must be reported within five business days. If changes are not reported within a timely manner, that is viewed as a failure to register offense in Colorado. It can lead to an immediate arrest and be charged as a felony.
An Overview of Megan’s Law
Megan’s Law is a federal mandate that was established in 1996. The key provision is that it obligates law enforcement agencies—including state and local law enforcement agencies—to disclose information about registered sex offenders to the public. The legislation was named after Megan Kanka—a young New Jersey girl who was tragically murdered by a known sex offender in 1994. The law aims to enhance community safety by informing the public about the presence of sex offenders.
Similar to other U.S. jurisdictions, Megan’s Law has been integrated into Colorado’s approach to managing sex offender information. Colorado’s version of the law mandates that specific information about sex offenders—such as their address, photo, and the offense committed, be made publicly accessible—primarily through online registries. The information is intended to help residents identify and be aware of the presence of sex offenders in their communities.
What Happens If a Sex Offender Fails to Register in Northern Colorado?
The failure to register as a sex offender in Colorado is a crime. A person who does not register as a sex offender when required to do so by law can be arrested and charged with a felony. Though, the severity of the charge will depend on the specific circumstances. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor sex offense and you fail to meet registration requirements, you can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. A conviction carries up to 18 months in prison. However, if you were convicted of a felony sex offense and you fail to register, you can be charged with a felony. Failure to register as a sex offender in this scenario is a Class 6 felony. A conviction carries a maximum of two years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines. These are serious charges. Contact an experienced Colorado failure to register as a sex offender defense lawyer for immediate help.
Our Colorado Defense Firm Helps Clients Navigate Colorado’s Sex Offender Registry Laws
Colorado has strict sex offender registration requirements. Prior to entering into a plea agreement for any sex-related offense, a defendant needs to know the corresponding sex offender registration requirements. Failing to properly register as a sex offender in Colorado is a criminal offense. Our founding attorney Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly and partner Andrew LeClere have a comprehensive knowledge of Colorado’s sex offender registration regulations, including Megan’s law. We believe that all defendants are entitled to zealous representation.
Get Help From a Sex Offender Registration Lawyer in Colorado
At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our Colorado sex offender registration attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for clients. Have questions about the law? Give us a call (720) 664-9266 or contact us online to set up your strictly confidential initial consultation. With offices in Greeley, Fort Collins, and Mead, we provide sex offender registration defense services throughout Northern Colorado, including in Larimer County, Weld County, Adams County, and Boulder County.