Sexual assault allegations can bring serious charges and harsh, life-changing penalties in Colorado. Whenever these types of sex crime charges are filed, questions of consent and witness credibility are often key. For those accused of sexual assault, it’s essential to remember that criminal charges are not the same as a conviction—and that an experienced lawyer can help them protect their rights and defend them when it matters most.
At the Law Office of James Colgan, LLC, our Denver sexual assault defense lawyer is highly effective at defending those accused of sexual assault. Whether you or a loved one has been accused of sexual assault for the first time or a subsequent time, our team can help you understand your options, prepare a persuasive defense case, and anticipate the challenges ahead. We can also guide you at every phase, fighting tirelessly for the best possible resolution.
Call 720-909-6425 or email our firm for a free, confidential consultation 24/7.
We are ready to put our 25 years of criminal law experience to work helping you.
Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Sections 18-3-402 describe the criminal offense of sexual assault to be the intentional act of sexually intruding upon or penetrating a victim without his or her consent. This can include the use of deception to commit a sexual assault, like if an assailant is posing as a spouse or engaging in illegal conduct under the guise of performing a medical exam. It can also occur when:
The circumstances of the alleged offense and the criminal history of the accused will impact the level of charges filed in sexual assault cases. The table below shows the various types of criminal charges that are filed against those accused of sexual assault in Denver, along with the potential penalties in the event of conviction.
Class 1 Misdemeanor (Extraordinary Risk Crime)
Class 4 Felony
Class 3 Felony
Class 2 Felony
Victim was 15 or 16 & the accused 25 or 26 (10 years older)
First-offense sexual assault with no aggravating factors
Victim was disabled or impaired by a date rape drug, or the accused used physical force to commit the sexual assault.
Victim is physically injured, or the accused used a deadly weapon or had an accomplice.
6 mos. to 2 years
4 to 12 years
8 to 24 years
16 to 48 years
Up to $500$500 to $,5000
$2,000 to $500,000
3 years of parole
$3,000 to $750,000
5 years of parole
$5,000 to $1,000,000
5 years of parole
Like the charges filed, the best defense options for a sexual assault case depend on the circumstances and evidence in that case. Generally, some effective defense strategies in these cases can involve:
Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. The right attorney can help you establish this while asserting your rights to justice.
If you are facing a sex crime charge, you need a strong defense to give yourself the best chances of optimal outcomes. In the Denver metro area, those accused of misdemeanor and felony sex offenses can count on receiving an exceptional defense from the Law Offices of James Colgan.
Denver Criminal Defense Attorney James Colgan is passionate about building and presenting the best possible defense cases. That means he always prepares cases diligently and comprehensively, positioning them, whenever possible, for reduced charges, lesser pleas, dismissals, and acquittals. As a fierce advocate for his clients, Attorney James Colgan is known as a “pit bull in the courtroom” who saves his clients from overcharging and wrongful convictions.
Call 720-909-6425 or email our firm for a free, confidential consultation 24/7.
With more than a quarter of a century of trial experience from both sides of the courtroom, Attorney James Colgan also has experience as a deputy sheriff and a police officer. This vast and comprehensive background with the law and justice system has empowered him with a unique perspective, extraordinary skills, and deep knowledge that he uses to provide superior, strategic defense representation to his clients.
Trial-tested and recognized for his record of success, Denver Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer James Colgan is the attorney you can turn to when it’s time to navigate the complicated legal system, put up the fight of your life, and set your defense case up for a successful resolution.