If you have been charged with a sex crime in Fort Collins, Colorado, it is critical to understand that you may be facing an indeterminate sentence. At the Larimer County Courts, indeterminate sentences are imposed on defendants convicted of certain sexual offenses. What this means is that these defendants are never given a maximum length of time that they must serve at the Colorado Department of Corrections or with probation. Instead, they are sentenced to serve in prison or on probation indefinitely – meaning that they may never actually be released, and could be incarcerated or supervised for the rest of their lives.
1. What are Indeterminate Sentences, C.R.S. 18-1.3-1004 at the Larimer County Courts?
Colorado’s law on indeterminate sentences, C.R.S. 18-1.3-1004, as it is recognized at the Larimer County Courts, is as follows:
Most crimes in Colorado are subject to determinate sentences. This means that if a defendant is sentenced to the Colorado Department of Corrections / DOC, he is given a release date. He can be released from the DOC early, but his sentence cannot be extended arbitrarily.
This is not the case with indeterminate sentences. Defendants subject to an indeterminate sentence are not given a release date when they are sent to the Colorado DOC. They are only provided with a minimum amount of time that they must serve in prison. They could spend the rest of their lives behind bars, never knowing whether they’ll ever be released.
2. Which Sex Crimes are Subject to Indeterminate Sentences in Fort Collins?
Not all sex crimes are subject to indeterminate sentences in Fort Collins, but many are. These crimes include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Felony Unlawful Sexual Contact, C.R.S. 18-3-404 (2)
- Sexual Assault, C.R.S. 18-3-402
- Sexual Assault on a Child, C.R.S. 18-3-405
- Internet Luring of a Child, C.R.S. 18-3-306, when it is a class 4 felony
- Enticement of a Child, C.R.S. 18-3-305
- Criminal attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above crimes
If you have been charged with any sex crime, it is imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. One of the most critical things for you to know is whether you will be subject to an indeterminate sentence if you are convicted. An experienced lawyer can advise you as to whether you are subject to an indeterminate sentence and other potential consequences that could result from conviction.
3. Contact a Top Loveland and Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Contacting a top Loveland and Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer today is the first step in protecting your future if you have been charged with a sex crime. It’s crucial that you have an experienced lawyer to advise you as to whether you could face an indeterminate sentence. You also need a lawyer to advise you as to other penalties you will face, such as registration on the sex offender registry. After you retain your lawyer, he will then fiercely fight to protect you by representing you at each of your hearings and court dates. Your lawyer will provide a solid defense for you in the courtroom, then work tirelessly to negotiate with the District Attorney on your behalf. Don’t wait to call us today to take your first step towards living in freedom again.
Have you been charged with a sexual offense? First, exercise your right to remain silent. Speaking to law enforcement will only result in your incrimination at the Larimer County Courts. Then call (970) 658-0007 to talk to one of our top criminal defense lawyers about your case today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Zachary Caraway