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Sexual abuse is both a criminal offense and a civil wrong in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Allegations are handled at multiple levels - local police, county or district prosecutors, and state courts - and may also trigger civil remedies such as protection orders or lawsuits for damages. Greenwood Village is part of the Denver metropolitan area and lies within Arapahoe County, which means local police work with the Arapahoe County District Attorney and Colorado state agencies on investigations and prosecutions. Survivors can access medical care, forensic exams, and victim advocacy services locally. The legal process can involve criminal charges, administrative or campus proceedings, and civil claims, all of which raise different legal standards and timeframes.
- To understand your options after an incident - reporting to police, seeking a protection order, getting medical care, or pursuing a civil claim for damages.
- If you are a survivor who needs help navigating interactions with police, prosecutors, medical providers, or child welfare agencies.
- If you are accused of sexual abuse and need defense counsel to protect your rights in criminal court, administrative hearings, or civil proceedings.
- To help obtain protective or restraining orders, ensure those orders are enforced, and advise on custody or visitation issues that may be affected by allegations.
- To evaluate statute-of-limitations issues, evidence preservation, and the best jurisdiction for filing a civil lawsuit.
- To get guidance on collateral consequences - immigration, employment, licensing, or educational disciplinary matters such as Title IX processes.
Colorado criminal law covers a range of sexual offenses from unlawful sexual contact and sexual assault to more serious offenses such as aggravated sexual assault. Penalties vary based on the nature of the act, the age of the victim, use of force or coercion, and prior criminal history.
Age of consent in Colorado is 17 years. Sexual activity with someone below that age can lead to criminal charges and separate civil issues. Special protections exist for minors and for people who lack the capacity to consent.
Mandatory reporting laws require certain professionals - including medical providers, teachers, and social workers - to report suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities. Reports of abuse to law enforcement or child welfare can trigger parallel investigations.
Victims may seek civil protection orders to limit contact with an alleged abuser. Prosecutors can also ask the court to impose criminal protective orders as part of pretrial release or sentencing.
Colorado maintains sex-offender registration requirements for certain convictions. Courts can order restitution to victims and award damages in civil suits for intentional torts such as assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Statutes of limitations - deadlines for filing criminal charges or civil suits - vary by the type of offense, the age of the victim at the time, and recent legislative changes. Some sexual offenses have extended or tolled deadlines, especially when the victim was a child, but the rules are complex and change over time.
Reporting is a personal decision. Law enforcement can investigate and work with the Arapahoe County District Attorney about possible criminal charges. Reporting can also help preserve evidence and may qualify you for certain victim services. If you are unsure, you can contact a victim advocate first to discuss options.
Seek medical care as soon as possible for injuries, testing, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy prevention when applicable. Hospitals and clinics may offer sexual assault forensic exams - often called SANE exams - which can preserve evidence if you later decide to pursue criminal charges. You can receive emergency medical care regardless of whether you report to police.
Criminal charges are brought by the state through a prosecutor and can result in fines, jail or prison, and criminal records. A civil lawsuit is brought by the survivor seeking money damages or other remedies. Both processes are separate - a criminal case can proceed without a civil case and vice versa.
Yes. Victims can seek civil protection orders from the state court to restrict contact. Prosecutors can also request criminal protective orders during criminal cases. Protection orders have legal force and violating them can lead to arrest and criminal penalties.
Reporting abuse or being a victim does not automatically harm immigration status and in some cases it can support immigration relief. However, criminal charges or certain legal outcomes can have immigration consequences. If immigration is a concern, consult an attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law.
Report the incident to campus authorities if you want an institutional response; colleges have Title IX processes that address sexual misconduct. You can also report to local police. The college process is administrative and separate from criminal court. An attorney can help you understand both processes and your options.
Deadlines vary widely by the type of offense, victim age, and recent legislative changes. Some crimes have short windows, others longer ones, and child abuse claims often have different rules. Time limits can be complex, so consult an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
If a criminal case or civil lawsuit goes to trial, you may be asked to provide testimony as a witness or plaintiff. Prosecutors and defense lawyers may question you. There are support services and court procedures designed to minimize trauma, such as witness advocates and special accommodations in the courtroom.
Victim compensation programs may cover medical costs, counseling, and certain other expenses for eligible victims of crime. Nonprofit organizations and legal aid groups may provide free or reduced-fee legal help. Ask a victim advocate, prosecutor's victim-witness office, or a local legal aid organization about available assistance.
If you are accused, do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can advise you on how to protect your rights, respond to allegations, and build a defense. Accusations can have long-term consequences, so seek legal counsel promptly.
- Greenwood Village Police Department - for reporting incidents and initiating criminal investigations.
- Arapahoe County District Attorney and victim-witness offices - for information about prosecutions and victim services.
- Arapahoe County Department of Human Services and Child Protective Services - for concerns involving children.
- Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault - statewide resource for survivor services and local program referrals.
- National sexual assault hotlines and crisis lines - confidential support and referrals are available 24/7 through national hotlines and local crisis centers.
- Local hospitals and clinics with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - SANE - programs for forensic exams and medical care.
- Colorado Legal Services and local legal aid organizations - for information about free or low-cost civil legal help.
- Community-based victim advocacy groups and domestic violence shelters - for safety planning, counseling, and practical assistance.
1. Ensure immediate safety - go to a safe place and call 911 if you are in danger.
2. Seek medical care - for injuries, testing, and to preserve forensic evidence if you might report.
3. Consider reporting to police - reporting starts a criminal investigation. You can also contact a victim advocate first for guidance.
4. Preserve evidence - keep clothing and other items in a paper bag, write down details about the incident, and save communications if safe to do so.
5. Contact a lawyer - if you need help with reporting, protection orders, civil claims, or criminal defense. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about legal aid and pro bono options.
6. Use victim services - advocates can help with safety planning, court accompaniment, and connections to counseling and compensation programs.
7. Document everything - keep dates, times, witness names, and copies of reports and medical records.
8. Ask about protection orders - if you fear further harm, a lawyer or advocate can help you obtain a protective order quickly.
This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is unique - consult a licensed attorney in Greenwood Village or Arapahoe County for advice about your specific situation.
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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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