Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Aurora

1. About Sexual Abuse Law in Aurora, United States

Aurora residents operate under Colorado law when it comes to sexual abuse and related offenses. Sexual offenses are defined and prosecuted at the state level, with local prosecutors in the 18th Judicial District handling many cases that arise in Arapahoe County, including Aurora. Investigations are typically conducted by local police and coordinated with the county district attorney’s office for charging decisions.

Key concepts in Colorado include criminal offenses such as sexual assault, unlawful sexual conduct, and child sexual abuse. Survivors also have rights under state victim protection laws, and there are avenues for protective orders and civil actions in addition to potential criminal prosecutions. An attorney familiar with Colorado sexual offense law can help you navigate investigations, plea negotiations, trials, and post conviction remedies.

“Sexual violence is a serious public health and safety issue that requires coordinated responses from law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts.”

Sources: CDC on sexual violence prevention and response; National Sexual Violence Resource Center for definitions and survivor resources. See CDC - Sexual Violence and NSVRC.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Aurora, legal decisions around sexual abuse cases require local familiarity with court rules, prosecutors, and protective orders. A local attorney can tailor strategy to the Arapahoe County court system and Aurora Police Department practices.

• You are under investigation for sexual assault and fear bail or long-term consequences until resolution.
• You want to file for a protective order after a serious incident or threat from someone you know or work with in Aurora.
• You are a survivor seeking resources, reporting, and a coordinated criminal and civil health response for the incident in Aurora or nearby campuses.
• You have been charged with a sexual offense and need a defense strategy, including evidence preservation, motions, and trial preparation.
• You are navigating a campus investigation at a university or college located in or around Aurora (for example, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus area).
• You seek to address civil liability or pursue damages against a party responsible for harm, alongside criminal proceedings.
• You want to pursue expungement or sealing options after involvement with a sexual offense record, if eligible under Colorado law.

3. Local Laws Overview

Colorado regulates sexual abuse and related offenses under state statutes that apply statewide, including in Aurora. You should review the specific offense names and definitions when discussing a case with your solicitor or attorney.

• Sexual Assault in the First Degree - a serious offense defined in Colorado Revised Statutes and commonly charged in cases involving non-consensual sexual contact with force or threats. This offense is prosecuted in district court and carries substantial felony penalties.
• Sexual Assault in the Second Degree - another major offense defined under Colorado law for non-consensual sexual contact where force or coercion is present, but with different elements and penalties than first degree.
• Unlawful Sexual Conduct - a separate statute addressing sexual contact or relations under circumstances where consent is not present or is impeded, including conduct with particular vulnerable persons or circumstances.

In addition to these offenses, Colorado maintains the Colorado Victims’ Rights Act, which protects survivor rights during a criminal investigation and judicial process. Rights can include timely notification, safety considerations, and access to information about the case. See the Colorado Legislature and official court resources for details on victims’ rights and how they apply in Aurora cases.

Practical note: protective orders and domestic violence protections may be used alongside criminal charges to keep individuals apart and provide safety for survivors. For procedural details and filing options, consult the Colorado Judicial Branch.

Recent trends in Colorado include ongoing enhancements to victims' rights and improvements in resources available to survivors, as well as continued emphasis on trauma-informed investigations. For statutory text and updates, use the official state resources below. See Colorado General Assembly for statute updates and historical changes.

“State statutes regarding sexual offenses are periodically refined to clarify consent and reporting obligations and to strengthen protections for survivors.”

Source: Colorado General Assembly and the Colorado Judicial Branch

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is sexual assault in Colorado?

Sexual assault covers non-consensual sexual contact or activity under various circumstances defined by state law. Elements include lack of consent, coercion, and often a victim's age or vulnerability. An attorney can explain which statute applies to your facts and how it is charged in Aurora.

How do I report sexual abuse in Aurora?

To report in Aurora, contact local police or call 911 for emergencies. You can also contact the Aurora Police Department for non-emergency reporting. A lawyer can guide you through what to say, what documentation to preserve, and how reporting affects your rights.

How long does a sexual abuse case take in Arapahoe County?

Case durations vary widely. Criminal cases may take several months to over a year, depending on evidence, court schedules, and plea negotiations. An attorney can give you a timeline based on current Arapahoe County court calendars.

Do I need an attorney to file a protective order?

While you can file without an attorney, a solicitor can ensure proper form completion and argue for protective orders effectively. In Aurora, a lawyer can help you meet procedural deadlines and present evidence properly.

What is the difference between sexual assault and unlawful sexual conduct?

Sexual assault statutes address non-consensual sexual acts with specific elements and penalties. Unlawful sexual conduct covers other kinds of non-consensual sexual activity or contact under different circumstances. A Colorado attorney can parse your case to the correct statute.

How much does a sexual abuse attorney cost in Aurora?

Costs vary by case complexity and attorney experience. Some lawyers offer a free initial consultation, with fees charged as a percentage of settlements or hourly rates. Ask about retainer amounts and potential costs early in the process.

Do I qualify for a protective order in Colorado?

Protective orders can be available to survivors of domestic violence or harassment in some sexual abuse contexts. A lawyer can review your situation, including relationships and threats, to determine eligibility and the right type of order.

Can I pursue a civil case for damages after sexual abuse?

Yes. Victims can pursue civil claims seeking compensation for harms such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A civil attorney can coordinate with criminal proceedings to pursue both tracks when appropriate.

Should I contact police before hiring an attorney?

In many cases, reporting promptly is advised. However, you can and should consult an attorney before giving statements that could affect your case. A local Aurora attorney can advise on the optimal sequence of steps.

Do I need a Colorado attorney or can I hire someone from outside Aurora?

While you may hire counsel from anywhere, local experience matters. A Colorado attorney familiar with the 18th Judicial District understands local court practices, prosecutors, and timelines that impact your case.

Is there a statute of limitations for sex offenses in Colorado?

Colorado has varying limits depending on the offense and circumstances. Some charges have no statute of limitations, while others have specific periods after the offense. A local solicitor can confirm current limits based on your facts.

How long does it take to expunge or seal a sex offense record in Colorado?

Expungement or sealing timelines depend on court processing times and eligibility. Many petitions start with a filing in the applicable district court and can take several months from filing to decision. A lawyer can guide you through the steps and required documents.

What is the Colorado Victims' Rights Act?

The Colorado Victims' Rights Act grants specified rights to crime victims during investigations and court proceedings. Rights may include notification, safety considerations, and access to certain case information. A lawyer can help you exercise these rights in Aurora cases.

5. Additional Resources

• Colorado General Assembly - Official statutes and legislative history for sexual offenses in Title 18 and related sections. Visit leg.colorado.gov.
• Colorado Judicial Branch - Information on protective orders, court procedures, and victim resources. Visit courts.colorado.gov.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - National statistics, prevention resources, and guidance on responding to sexual violence. Visit cdc.gov.

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your goals and concerns by writing down what you want to achieve (criminal defense, protective orders, civil claims, or all of the above).
2. Identify a local Aurora attorney who specializes in sexual offense law or crimes against persons. Seek referrals from trusted sources and schedule initial consultations within 1-2 weeks.
3. Prepare a document bundle for your attorney, including any police reports, communications, witnesses, and medical or counseling records. Gather contact details for people involved and dates of incidents.
4. During your consultation, ask about case strategy, potential timelines, fees, and communication expectations. Request a written outline of next steps and anticipated milestones.
5. Decide on a plan for reporting, protective orders, or immediate safety steps. If applicable, discuss options for expedited procedures or emergency protective orders.
6. If charges exist, coordinate with your attorney on evidence preservation, witness contact, and any pretrial motions. Expect rapid action around discovery and plea negotiations.
7. Review fee arrangements, possible costs, and any alternative dispute resolutions. Confirm what services are included in the retainer or hourly rate.