For some convicted of a crime like Sexual Assault or Sexual Assault on a Child in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, the State of Colorado feels that simply registering as a sex offender is not enough. Those who have been labeled a Sexually Violent Predator also require community notification of intent to reside in an area. This occurs when a sex offender is trying to move or is being released from Community Corrections, the Larimer County Jail, or the Colorado Department of Corrections. Sometimes you will see notice that someone who has the Sexually Violent Predator label is attempting to move to Fort Collins or Loveland. The community will be notified that a meeting would be held where information would be presented and questions could be answered.
Larimer County Sex Assault Lawyer Explains: What is the Definition of Sexually Violent Predator?
According to C.R.S. 18-3-414.5 – a person must meet the following qualifications in order to be labeled a Sexually Violent Predator:
- A person who was 18 years or older at the date of offense or if under 18, was charged and tried as an adult;
- A person who was convicted on or after July 1, 1999 of one of the following offenses:
- Sexual Assault;
- Unlawful Sexual Contact;
- Sexual Assault on a Child; or
- Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust;
- A person whose victim was a stranger or the offender established a relationship with the offender for the sole purpose of sexual victimization; and
- A person whose scores on various risk assessment screening instruments approved by the Sex Offender Management Board and Division of Criminal Justice deem it likely that the person would commit another sexual offense listed in paragraph 2.
A person must meet all four of the above elements in order to get the Sexually Violent Predator designation. This designation means strict monitoring and sever limitations on where the offender can be.
Community Notification of Sexually Violent Predators in Fort Collins
Under Colorado law C.R.S. 16-13-901, Community Notification is required when a Sexually Violent Predator is moving or being released into the community:
This notification can be supplied in many different ways. Sometimes, the Larimer County Sheriff will post the information on their website, often in lieu of a community meeting. The legislation above does not require that a face-to-face meeting take place, just that the community is notified. With the website bulletin, there is always a contact person if a community member has questions or concerns they would like to address.
In person community meetings are also a common forum for notification of a Sexually Violent Predator’s move into a community. Often at these meetings, members of the offender’s supervision team (parole officer, probation officer, case manager, treatment provider, etc.) will be present to address any questions or concerns. Law enforcement officers will also usually be present.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a Sexual Offense, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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