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Breckenridge Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Summit County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer?

If you've been accused of a sex crime in Summit County, your reputation and your freedom, are all on the line. These charges carry severe legal consequences and lasting personal fallout.

At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Whether you're facing a misunderstanding, false allegation, or a complicated legal matter, you need an experienced criminal defense team that knows the local courts and has the trial experience to defend you.

Why Choose Us Over Other Sex Crime Defense Attorneys in Summit County

We know the stakes are high, and we’re here to listen, advise, and fight for your rights every step of the way. Kylie Whitaker and Ehren Penix at Whitaker & Penix, LLC have decades of combined criminal law experience:

Kylie Whitaker named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for Colorado
Kylie Whitaker: Former Assistant District Attorney with 7 years of prosecutorial experience in Breckenridge courts
Ehren Penix: Former criminal prosecutor with 3 years in the DA’s office and 4 years in private practice
Local knowledge of Summit County courts, judges, and procedures
24/7 availability for urgent client needs
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
Straightforward legal advice and responsive communication

Charged With a Sex Crime in Colorado?

We know the system, and we know how to fight. Call (970) 368-0602 to learn more today.

Legal Penalties for Sex Crimes in Colorado

Sex crimes in Colorado are punished severely. It’s essential to have an attorney who understands how to fight these charges aggressively from the very start.

Depending on the charge and circumstances, you could be facing:

Felony or misdemeanor classification
Mandatory prison time (for many felony-level sex crimes)
Indeterminate sentencing (potential lifetime supervision)
Mandatory sex offender registration
Lifetime probation for certain offenses
Extensive fines and court fees
Restrictions on where you can live, work, or travel

Convictions for crimes like sexual assault, child molestation, or internet luring often result in years of incarceration and a permanent criminal record. In many cases, these penalties apply even if no physical evidence exists and the case is based solely on one person's word.

Life Consequences for a Conviction

Even beyond the courtroom, a sex crime conviction can permanently alter your life. You may face:

Public stigma and media exposure
Loss of employment and difficulty finding future work
Revocation of professional licenses
Loss of child custody or visitation rights
Housing restrictions or eviction
Travel limitations, especially out of the country
Damaged personal and family relationships

These consequences can follow you long after you've served your sentence. A conviction can derail your career, isolate you from your community, and limit your opportunities for years to come. At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we work to shield clients from both the legal penalties and the collateral damage that comes with sex crime allegations.

The Sex Offender Registry in Colorado

Many sex crimes result in mandatory registration on the Colorado Sex Offender Registry. This public database is searchable by anyone and includes your name, photo, home address, and the offense for which you were convicted. Registration may be required for years, or even for life.

Failing to register or keep your information updated is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional jail time or felony charges. Being on the registry severely limits housing, employment, and educational opportunities. Our firm works to avoid conviction and, where possible, help clients petition for removal from the registry after meeting eligibility requirements.

Effective Legal Defenses

Every case is different, but our defense strategies are grounded in careful investigation and strategic counterattacks. Effective defense tactics include:

Consent – In cases involving alleged sexual misconduct, proving that the encounter was voluntary and mutually agreed upon can dismantle the foundation of the prosecution’s argument.
False Allegations – Motivations behind a criminal accusation matter. We uncover agendas such as divorce disputes, custody battles, jealousy, or retaliation that may drive someone to make a false claim.
Lack of Evidence – The state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If key pieces of evidence are missing, contradictory, or based solely on unreliable testimony, we expose these weaknesses in court.
Mistaken Identity – Eyewitnesses are notoriously fallible. We dig into lineup procedures, poor lighting conditions, stress responses, and other factors that often lead to misidentification.
Entrapment – In sting operations or online solicitations, we scrutinize whether law enforcement went beyond providing an opportunity and actually coerced or induced the alleged criminal act.
Illegal Search or Seizure – If officers violated your constitutional rights, any evidence they obtained may be inadmissible. Challenging unlawful police procedures can lead to case dismissal or significant leverage in negotiations.

How an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Sex crime cases move fast and can escalate quickly. Law enforcement and prosecutors often act aggressively, building their case before you even realize you’re a target. That’s why having a Summit County defense lawyer involved early can make a decisive difference. Early legal intervention can:

Prevent damaging statements to police or investigators
Protect your constitutional rights from day one
Begin preserving key evidence and securing witnesses
Keep the case from gaining unnecessary publicity
File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
Negotiate pre-trial resolutions when appropriate
Build a trial-ready defense if the case proceeds to court

At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we understand the pressure you're facing and the risks of waiting too long. The sooner we step in, the more control you have over the outcome. Our legal team acts quickly and decisively to take the upper hand before the prosecution gains momentum.

Don’t Let One Accusation Destroy Your Future

Call (970) 368-0602 for strategic, no-judgment defense representation.

Sex Crime Cases We Handle

At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we represent clients facing a wide range of sex crime allegations in Summit County and surrounding areas. These are serious charges with lasting consequences—including mandatory prison time, sex offender registration, and the permanent stigma of a conviction.

That’s why we take a hands-on, strategic approach to every case. Our goal is to fight back hard, protect your rights, and give you the strongest defense possible. Allegations we defend against include:

Sexual Assault – Non-consensual sexual contact or penetration, often charged as a felony with mandatory sentencing
Domestic Violence – Cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct within an intimate or cohabitating relationship
Pimping – Accusations of profiting from or facilitating prostitution
Child Molestation – Allegations of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, one of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses
Indecent Exposure – Exposing one’s genitals in a manner intended to offend or alarm others
Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Knowingly causing, inducing, permitting, or promoting a child’s involvement in explicit sexual conduct for the creation of sexually exploitative material
Prostitution and Related Offenses – Includes solicitation, patronizing a prostitute, and brothel-related charges
Luring of a Child on the Internet – Attempting to meet or communicate with a minor for sexual purposes through electronic means
Date Rape – Cases involving alleged lack of consent due to intoxication, coercion, or force
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender – A separate crime that can carry felony penalties if not properly addressed

Why Acting Quickly Matters

In sex crime cases, time is not on your side. Delays can mean:

Lost or destroyed evidence
Witnesses forgetting critical details
Unfair media coverage influencing public perception
Investigators gathering only one side of the story
Prosecutors filing charges before your defense is heard

These situations can turn quickly and without warning. Even a vague accusation can lead to an arrest, restraining order, or damage to your job and personal relationships. The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better your chances of protecting your future.

If you've been accused, or if you think you could be under investigation, you’ll want to contact an attorney right away. Whitaker & Penix, LLC can intervene early, advise you before speaking to law enforcement, and begin building your defense before formal charges are filed. Taking action now can prevent irreversible harm later.

Speak to a Trusted Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in Summit County

Our firm was built on the idea that everyone deserves strong, honest legal representation, especially when facing the full weight of the criminal justice system.

At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we don’t back down from difficult cases. We give you the straight facts, a defense plan built on experience, and aggressive advocacy every step of the way.

Call us today at (970) 368-0602 for a free confidential consultation. Your future is worth fighting for.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Kylie got my case dismissed and sealed from my record -tom iacovelli (5-Star Google Review)

Kylie got my case dismissed and sealed from my record. She was very professional, and proactive in fighting for me.

Great character and professionalism! -Evan Pryor (5-Star Google Review)

Ehren was great to work with from beginning to end. Very thorough with expectations, high attention to detail, as well as great character and professionalism!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m accused of a sex crime in Colorado?

Do not speak to law enforcement, investigators, or the accuser. Immediately contact a Breckenridge criminal defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and early legal intervention is critical to protect your rights and build a defense.

Can I be arrested for a sex crime without physical evidence?

Yes. In many cases, sex crime charges are based solely on an accuser’s testimony. That makes it even more important to have a skilled attorney who can challenge credibility, expose inconsistencies, and present your side of the story.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if I’m convicted?

Most sex crime convictions in Colorado require mandatory sex offender registration, sometimes for life. Registration can severely impact where you live, work, and travel. A strong legal defense may help you avoid this consequence altogether.

What types of sex crimes does your firm handle?

Whitaker & Penix, LLC defends clients against a wide range of sex-related charges, including sexual assault, internet luring, child molestation, indecent exposure, prostitution-related offenses, and failure to register as a sex offender.

Can I be charged for something that happened online?

Yes. Internet-based crimes such as luring a child, sending explicit messages, or solicitation are aggressively prosecuted in Colorado. Law enforcement may use undercover stings, and the digital evidence must be challenged carefully.

What if the sex was consensual?

If the accuser initially consented but now claims otherwise, or if there’s a dispute about whether consent was possible due to intoxication or age, we can investigate digital communications, witness testimony, and timelines to build your defense.

What are the penalties for sex crimes in Colorado?

Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies and may include years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, lifetime parole, and permanent damage to your reputation and career.

What’s the difference between sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact?

Sexual assault typically involves penetration and carries harsher penalties, while unlawful sexual contact usually refers to inappropriate touching. Both are serious charges, but the legal strategies for defense differ.

Meet Our Breckenridge Criminal Defense Attorneys

Kylie Whitaker

Kylie Whitaker is a founding attorney at Whitaker & Penix, LLC, where she focuses on criminal defense and family law throughout Breckenridge and Colorado’s 6th Judicial District. With a reputation for being direct, dependable, and trial-ready, Kylie brings both legal skill and personal dedication to every case she handles.

Before launching the firm, Kylie served as a criminal prosecutor and Assistant District Attorney in Breckenridge for seven years. That frontline courtroom experience gives her a sharp edge in defending clients; she knows how prosecutors think and how to build a defense that holds up in court.

Known for her hands-on approach and accessibility, Kylie is the attorney who calls you back, keeps you informed, and shows up ready to fight when it matters most. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist caught in a legal issue, Kylie Whitaker delivers focused, strategic representation from start to finish.

Ehren Penix

Ehren Penix is a founding attorney at Whitaker & Penix, LLC, where he represents clients in criminal defense and family law cases throughout Colorado’s 6th Judicial District. Known for his calm, focused approach and strong courtroom presence, Ehren takes pride in helping clients navigate some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

Before entering private practice, Ehren spent three years as a criminal prosecutor, gaining valuable insight into how the other side builds its case. Since then, he’s spent four years in private practice, using that experience to effectively challenge evidence, protect his clients' rights, and deliver strong results.

Ehren handles a wide range of criminal charges, including DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, and assault. He is also a dedicated family law attorney, representing clients in divorce, child custody, and parenting disputes with care and precision.