Discreet, effective defense against internet stings charges in Boulder – preserving your reputation and rights.
No one thinks they’ll get caught up in an internet sting—until they do. Law enforcement runs these operations all the time, with undercover officers posing as minors on social media, chat rooms, and classified ad sites.
They start conversations, sometimes pushing them in a certain direction, only to turn around and use those chats as evidence in a criminal case. While these stings are meant to catch real offenders, plenty of people get swept up who never had any criminal intent.
If you’ve been arrested or accused in an internet sting operation, our attorneys are ready to defend you. These cases aren’t always as clear-cut as they seem, and law enforcement doesn’t always play fair. At Dawson Law Office in Boulder, CO, we fight to protect your rights and your future.
Internet sting operations are a common tactic used by law enforcement agencies across Colorado, including Boulder County. In these operations, a police officer typically poses as a minor online, seeking to interact with adults for the purpose of sexual content or encounters.
The process often unfolds like this:
These operations are conducted by various law enforcement agencies, but are primarily run by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in Colorado.
If you’re arrested as a result of an internet sting operation in Colorado, you may face several serious charges, including:
These charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. The impact on your life can be devastating and long-lasting.
Internet sting cases are complex and require a nuanced understanding of both criminal law and technology.
At Dawson Law, we have years of experience defending against these charges and know exactly what evidence will be persuasive to prosecutors.
Our approach to defending internet sting cases includes:
While these cases can be challenging to defend, there are several potential strategies we may employ:
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. While this can be difficult to prove in internet sting cases, it may be a viable defense if we can show that the police conduct was particularly egregious or coercive.
In many cases, we can argue that you had no actual intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor. This may be particularly relevant if you believed you were engaging in role-play or fantasy with another adult.
We carefully examine the actions of law enforcement to ensure your constitutional rights were not violated. This includes challenging any unlawful searches or seizures of electronic devices.
In some cases, we may be able to show that you were not the person actually engaging in the online conversations in question.
When facing internet sting charges in Boulder County, you need a law firm with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to protect your rights and future. Dawson Law offers:
We understand the stress and uncertainty you’re facing. Our goal is to guide you through this difficult time, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for an internet sting-related offense in Boulder County, time is of the essence. The sooner you involve an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Contact Dawson Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and start building a strong defense strategy immediately.
Don’t face these serious charges alone. Call Dawson Law now or fill out our online contact form to get the skilled legal representation you need.
Yes. Many internet sting-related charges, such as Internet Luring of a Child, do not require an actual meeting to take place. The crime is often considered complete once an invitation or persuasion to meet for sexual purposes occurs.
In most cases, claiming that you didn’t know the age of the “minor” is not a valid defense. Colorado law generally holds individuals strictly liable for engaging in sexual communications with minors, regardless of whether they knew the actual age.
Most convictions resulting from internet sting operations do require sex offender registration. This can have severe and long-lasting impacts on your life, including restrictions on where you can live and work.
Every case is different, but there may be opportunities to negotiate for reduced charges or even dismissal, depending on the circumstances. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney who can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and advocate effectively on your behalf.