Questions and Answers About Colorado Sex Offender Registration Laws and Regulations

Colorado is among the toughest states in the country when it comes to requirements for sex offender registration.

Here is a link to the State’s Website that lists the requirements to register as a sex offender

First WHO is Required to Register as a Sex Offender in Colorado?

The following persons (adults and juveniles) are required to register as sex offenders:

Any person who was convicted on or after July 1, 1991, in Colorado for:

C.R.S. 18-3-411(1) ANY unlawful sexual offense; C.R.S. 18-3-305 enticement of a child; C.R.S. 18-3-306 internet luring of a child; (generally considered to be any sex offense against children).

Sex Offender Registration Based on an out of Colorado Sex Crime Conviction

Any person who was convicted on or after July 1, 1991, in another state or jurisdiction, including but not limited to, a military or federal jurisdiction, of an offense, if committed in Colorado, would constitute.

C.R.S. 18-3-411(1) unlawful sexual offense; C.R.S. 18-3-3-5 enticement of a child; C.R.S. 18-3-306 internet luring of a child.

Any person who was released on or after July 1, 1991, from the Department of Corrections (DOC) of this state or any other state, having served a sentence for:

C.R.S. 18-3-411(1) unlawful sexual offense; C.R.S. 18-3-305 enticement of a child; C.R.S. 18-3-306 internet luring of a child.

Sex Offender Registration for Convictions or Deferred Judgments in Colorado or From Another State (Underlying Sex Crimes Factual Basis)

Any person convicted of or who received a deferred sentence in Colorado or any other state of an offense involving unlawful sexual behavior, and including criminal attempts, conspiracy, or solicitation, (generally considered to by any sex offense or other offense where the underlying factual basis includes sexual behavior. )

The Registrant Must Use ALL Of Their Known Names and re-register whenever legally changing their name. Again Colorado Sex offenders must register under all names they have ever used.

Second, Where Must the Sex Offender Register?

The Colorado Sex Offender must make certain to register at the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where they reside.

• In A City Or Town Register at the police department.
• Outside City or Town Limits Register at the county sheriff’s department.
• More Than One Residence Register in all jurisdictions in which a residence is established.

Homeless Registration A 2013 law requires registration with local law enforcement in the location the homeless person “resides.”

Third, When Must the Sex Offender Register?

Register within five (5) business days of becoming a temporary or permanent resident of Colorado, OR of being released into the community under criminal justice supervision (probation, parole, community corrections), or of establishing an additional residence in CO.

After Release From Prison (DOC with no supervision), Register the next business day.

Register Annually on BIRTH DATE unlessEvery 90 days for the remainder of NATURAL LIFE for the following criminal convictions:

• Sexual assault, in violation of 18-3-402,
• Sexual assault in the first degree, in violation of 18-3-402, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000,
• Sexual assault in the second degree, in violation of 18-3-403, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000,
• Sexual assault on a child, in violation of section 18-3-405,
• Sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, in violation of section 18-3-405.3,
• Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, in violation of 18-3-405.5,
• Incest, in violation of 18-6-301,
• Aggravated Incest, in violation of section 18-6-302,
• Anyone found to be a Sexually Violent Predator.

What if Changing Residences?

Sex offender must CANCEL registration at the law enforcement agency where currently registered and then must RE-REGISTER within five (5) business days with the law enforcement agency at the new residence.

What Happens if The Sex Offender Fails to Register (Fail to Register 18-3-412.5)

If a sex offender fails to comply with ANY registration requirements, he/she may be charged with the criminal offense of Failure to Register As A Sex Offender, which may be charged as a felony.

The Colorado of Failure to Register 18-3-412.5

There are different levels of crimes that can be charged under this law- they are:

1. Failure to register as a convicted sex offender (misdemeanor unlawful sexual behavior) or submitting false information on a registration form (Section 18-3-412.5 (3), C.R.S.) (Class one misdemeanor -6 to 24 months)
2. Failure to register as a convicted sex offender (felony unlawful sexual behavior) or submitting false information on a registration form (Section 18-3-412.5 (2), C.R.S.) (Class 6 felony 12 to 18 months).
3. The second or subsequent instance of failure to register as a convicted sex offender or submitting false information on a registration form (Section 18-3-412.5 (2), C.R.S.) (Class 5 felony 1 to 3 years).

Ending Registration is It Ever Possible to Discontinue Registration “De-register?”

A Colorado Sex Offender must CONTINUE TO REGISTER UNTIL the court releases them from this requirement. BUT if the offender has not been convicted of a subsequent offense involving unlawful sexual behavior, they may file a petition with the court for an order to discontinue registration.

Sexually Violent Predators, multiple offenders, and Colorado sex offenders who must register quarterly CANNOT DE-REGISTER.

But all other Colorado Sex Offenders can petition the court after the following time periods HAVE RUN this means that the Colorado sex offender must have been finally released from the jurisdiction of the sentencing court and cannot have been subsequently been convicted of a sex offense:

Colorado Sex Offender Registration Laws and Regulations

About The Author: H. Michael Steinberg Email The Author. A Denver Colorado Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer or call his office at 303-627-7777 during business hours or call his cell if you cannot wait and need his immediate assistance 720-220-2277.

If you are charged with A Colorado crime or you have questions about Colorado Sex Offender Registration Laws And Regulations, please call our office. The Law Offices of H. Michael Steinberg, in Denver, Colorado, provide criminal defense clients with effective, efficient, intelligent and strong legal advocacy. We can educate you and help you navigate the stressful and complex legal process related to your criminal defense issue.

H. Michael Steinberg, is a Denver, Colorado criminal defense lawyer with over 42 years of day to day courtroom experience specializing in Colorado Criminal Law along the Front Range. He will provide you with a free initial case consultation to evaluate your legal issues and to answer your questions with an honest assessment of your options. Remember, it costs NOTHING to discuss your case. Call now for an immediate free phone consultation.

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