Colorado criminal charge
Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist in Colorado
Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-3-405.5. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-3-405.5.
What is the penalty for sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 2 years to 6 years (Aggravated sexual assault on a client — Applies when a psychotherapist knowingly inflicts sexual penetration or sexual intrusion on a client, either simply by virtue of the client relationship or through therapeutic deception.) | presumptive | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Fine | 2000 usd to 500000 usd (Aggravated sexual assault on a client — Applies when a psychotherapist knowingly inflicts sexual penetration or sexual intrusion on a client, either simply by virtue of the client relationship or through therapeutic deception.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Parole / supervision | 3 years to 3 years (Aggravated sexual assault on a client — Applies when a psychotherapist knowingly inflicts sexual penetration or sexual intrusion on a client, either simply by virtue of the client relationship or through therapeutic deception.; mandatory parole) | mandatory | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Jail / prison | up to 364 days (no statutory minimum) (Sexual assault on a client — Applies when a psychotherapist knowingly subjects a client to sexual contact, either simply by virtue of the client relationship or through therapeutic deception.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Fine | up to 1000 usd (no statutory minimum) (Sexual assault on a client — Applies when a psychotherapist knowingly subjects a client to sexual contact, either simply by virtue of the client relationship or through therapeutic deception.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2018-07-01.
How is sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated sexual assault on a client | class 4 felony | Applies when a psychotherapist knowingly inflicts sexual penetration or sexual intrusion on a client, either simply by virtue of the client relationship or through therapeutic deception. | 18-3-405.5(1)(b) |
| Sexual assault on a client | class 1 misdemeanor | Applies when a psychotherapist knowingly subjects a client to sexual contact, either simply by virtue of the client relationship or through therapeutic deception. | 18-3-405.5(2)(b) |
Common questions about sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist in Colorado
Is sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 4 felony in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-3-405.5.
Aggravated sexual assault on a client: class 4 felony (C.R.S. § 18-3-405.5(1)(b)) · Sexual assault on a client: class 1 misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-3-405.5(2)(b))
What are the penalties for sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist in Colorado?
Penalties for sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a class 1 misdemeanor up to a class 4 felony — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 and C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist?
Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist is governed by C.R.S. § 18-3-405.5 (Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist - definitions).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.