Arrested or Charged with Internet Luring of a Child (C.R.S. § 18-3-306) in Colorado?

If you’ve been arrested for or charged with Internet Luring of a Child in Colorado, you’re facing one of the most serious sex crimes in the state’s criminal code. Not only are you looking at potential felony penalties and years in prison, but a conviction will likely require sex offender registration that can follow you for life.

What matters now isn’t panicking—it’s understanding what you’re up against and getting experienced legal representation immediately. At Dawson Law Office, we’ve defended numerous clients against these exact charges and know how to build an effective defense strategy from day one.

What Is Internet Luring of a Child Under C.R.S. § 18-3-306?

Colorado law defines Internet Luring of a Child as occurring when:

1. You knowingly communicate over a computer network, telephone network, data network, or via text/instant message
2. To someone you know or believe to be under 15 years of age
3. You describe explicit sexual conduct in that communication
4. You make statements persuading or inviting the person to meet for any purpose
5. You are more than four years older than the person (or than the age you believe them to be)

The key aspects of this law that often surprise defendants include:

• A meeting doesn’t need to occur for charges to be filed—the invitation alone is sufficient
• The law applies even if you were communicating with an undercover officer posing as a minor
• The “explicit sexual conduct” and invitation to meet must be connected, but they don’t need to occur in the same communication

Felony Classifications: How Serious Are the Charges?

Internet Luring of a Child is always a felony in Colorado, with two possible classifications:

Class 5 Felony

If there was no specific intent to meet for sexual purposes, the charge is typically a Class 5 felony, punishable by:

• 1-3 years in state prison
• Fines between $1,000 and $100,000
• Possible sex offender registration

Class 4 Felony

If prosecutors believe you intended to meet for sexual exploitation or sexual contact, the charges escalate to a Class 4 felony, with penalties including:

• 2-6 years in prison (with 3 years mandatory parole)
• Fines ranging from $2,000 to $500,000
• Mandatory sex offender registration

Both levels of charges can devastate your life, career, and reputation—even if you never actually met or had physical contact with a minor.

Common Scenarios Leading to Internet Luring Charges

Internet Luring charges typically arise from these situations:

Law Enforcement Sting Operations

Police officers frequently pose as minors in online forums, chat rooms, dating apps, and social media platforms. Sting operations often involve officers initiating or steering conversations toward sexual topics, then suggesting a meeting.

Parental Complaints

Parents who discover concerning communications on their child’s device may report these to law enforcement, leading to an investigation.

Mistaken Age Situations

Some cases involve adults who believed they were communicating with another adult but were actually speaking with someone underage.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Internet Luring Charges

At Dawson Law Office, we carefully analyze every aspect of your case to build the strongest possible defense. Effective strategies may include:

1. Lack of Knowledge About Age

If you genuinely didn’t know or believe you were communicating with someone under 15, this is a valid defense. The prosecution must prove you knew or believed the person was underage.

2. No Connection Between Sexual Content and Meeting

For a conviction, prosecutors must show the invitation to meet was connected to the sexual communications. If these were separate, unrelated conversations, the charges may not stand.

3. Entrapment

If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have committed, this could form the basis of an entrapment defense. This occurs when police go beyond merely providing an opportunity and actually persuade or coerce you.

4. Constitutional Violations

We thoroughly examine whether your rights were violated during the investigation, including improper searches of electronic devices, coerced statements, or other procedural violations.

5. Evidence Problems

Digital evidence can be complex and subject to misinterpretation. We work with forensic experts to examine and challenge the prosecution’s evidence, looking for inconsistencies, technical errors, or alternative explanations.

What To Do If You’re Facing Internet Luring Charges

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with Internet Luring of a Child, take these critical steps:

1. Exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t make any statements to police.
2. Don’t consent to searches of your electronic devices or property without a warrant.
3. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
4. Preserve all evidence, including any records of communications that might support your defense.
5. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner we can begin working on your case, the more options we’ll have.

The Impact of Sex Offender Registration

One of the most devastating consequences of an Internet Luring conviction can be sex offender registration. This requirement means:

• Your name, photo, and address will be publicly available
• You’ll face restrictions on where you can live and work
• You must regularly check in with law enforcement
• You may be subject to internet usage restrictions
• Employment and housing opportunities become severely limited

Registration requirements can last for decades or even life, affecting nearly every aspect of your future.

Internet Luring vs. Other Sex Crimes: Understanding the Differences

Internet Luring vs. Sexual Exploitation of a Child

While Internet Luring involves communications and an invitation to meet, Sexual Exploitation (C.R.S. § 18-6-403) typically involves possessing, producing, or distributing explicit material involving minors.

Internet Luring vs. Enticement of a Child

Enticement of a Child (C.R.S. § 18-3-305) requires inviting or persuading a child to enter a vehicle, building, or secluded place with the intent to commit sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact. Internet Luring specifically involves electronic communications.

Internet Luring vs. Soliciting for Child Prostitution

Soliciting for Child Prostitution (C.R.S. § 18-7-402) involves soliciting a child for prostitution in exchange for money or something of value, while Internet Luring doesn’t necessarily involve a commercial component.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Luring Charges

Can I be charged if the “minor” was actually an undercover officer?

Yes. The law applies even if you were actually communicating with an adult law enforcement officer posing as a minor. What matters is that you believed the person was under 15.

What if I never intended to actually meet the person?

While your intent regarding the meeting may be relevant to your defense, the law specifically states that a meeting does not need to occur for charges to be filed. Simply making the invitation in connection with sexual communications can be sufficient.

Can these charges be sealed or expunged from my record?

Sex offense convictions are generally not eligible for record sealing in Colorado. However, if the charges are dismissed or you’re found not guilty, you may petition to have the arrest record sealed.

What if I didn’t initiate the sexual discussions?

Who initiated the sexual conversations can be relevant to your defense, especially in cases involving potential entrapment. However, the law focuses on whether you knowingly communicated sexual content and made an invitation to meet.

How Dawson Law Office Can Help

At Dawson Law Office, we understand the devastating impact these charges can have on your life. Our experienced criminal defense team will:

• Carefully analyze all evidence in your case
• Challenge improper police tactics or constitutional violations
• Work with forensic experts to examine digital evidence
• Negotiate aggressively with prosecutors
• Prepare thoroughly for trial if necessary
• Treat you with respect and dignity throughout the process

We believe everyone deserves a vigorous defense, regardless of the charges they face.

Contact Boulder’s Experienced Internet Luring Defense Attorneys

Don’t face these serious charges alone. The legal team at Dawson Law Office has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to provide the strong defense you need during this difficult time.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. The sooner we begin working on your case, the more options we’ll have to protect your rights and your future.