Sexual Exploitation of a Child, C.R.S. 18-6-403, is frequently charged in Larimer County when the Fort Collins Police discover sexually exploitative material / “child pornography” on a person’s computer. When a person is arrested on suspicion of Sexual Exploitation / SEOC, they often wonder how exactly the police managed to find the files on their computer. This is especially given that they may have taken steps to try to delete those files. While the answer can be complicated, it is still worthwhile to understand a bit more about how law enforcement finds “child pornography.”
1. How Do the Fort Collins Police Find Sexually Exploitative Material / Child Pornography?
The Fort Collins Police have a couple of different ways of finding sexually exploitative material (SEM), or “child pornography.” One is by obtaining a warrant to search your computer. If you are already being investigated for another Internet sex crime, like Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child, the police will obtain a warrant to search your computer to find evidence against you. They may find sexually exploitative material while completing their search.
Another means of finding child pornography is through the use of software. The Child Protection System, for example, is a software that scans file sharing networks to find sexually exploitative material / SEM. Similarly, XRY by MSAB uses rapid hash matching to find SEM. A hash – a unique set of characters used to identify an image – is assigned to an image. XRY can then analyze that image’s hash and search for images with similar hashes to determine whether it contains sexually exploitative material.
2. When Should I Contact a Top Larimer County Lawyer?
When a person realizes that they are under investigation for Sexual Exploitation of a Child, they then wonder when they should contact a top Larimer County lawyer. Our answer: contact an experienced sex crimes attorney ASAP. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin preparing a defense for when you are charged and tried at the Larimer County Courts. Your attorney can also provide legal advice to help you protect yourself while charges are pending.
3. What are the Penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Loveland and Estes Park?
One of the reasons that we advise people to contact a lawyer as soon as possible is because of the number of penalties that will result from conviction of Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Loveland and Estes Park. While penalties vary based on the circumstances behind the offense, general penalties include:
- Up to 16 years in the Colorado DOC
- Fines of hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Mandatory parole after release from prison
- Required registration on the Sex Offender Registry
- Mandatory sex offender treatment
- Firearm and ammunition relinquishment
- Restitution payments, if applicable
- Personal consequences due to a criminal record that cannot be sealed
It is critical that you contact the best criminal defense lawyer right away if you are under investigation or have been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child. The outcome of your case hinges partly on when you contact a lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts. Trust us – it is never worth it to wait.
Are you under investigation for possessing child pornography, or have you been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child? First, be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Never talk to the Fort Collins Police or Larimer County Sheriff about your charges. Then get in contact with a top criminal defense lawyer with decades of experience representing clients charged with sex crimes by calling 970-658-0007. 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!
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