Colorado § 18-3-405.4 - Internet sexual exploitation of a child.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-405.4 — Internet sexual exploitation of a child., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-3-405.4. Internet sexual exploitation of a child.
(1) An actor commits internet sexual exploitation of a child if the actor knowingly importunes, invites, or entices through communication via a computer network or system, telephone network, or data network or by a text message or instant message, a person whom the actor knows or believes to be under fifteen years of age and at least four years younger than the actor, to:
(a) Expose or touch the person's own or another person's intimate parts while communicating with the actor via a computer network or system, telephone network, or data network or by a text message or instant message; or
(b) Observe the actor's intimate parts via a computer network or system, telephone network, or data network or by a text message or instant message.
(2) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2009, (HB 09-1163), ch. 343, p. 1797, § 1, effective July 1, 2009.)
(3) Internet sexual exploitation of a child is a class 4 felony.
Source: L. 2006: Entire section added, p. 2056, § 5, effective July 1. L. 2009: Entire section amended, (HB 09-1163), ch. 343, p. 1797, § 1, effective July 1; (1) amended, (HB 09-1132), ch. 341, p. 1793, § 3, effective July 1.
Editor's note: Amendments to subsection (1) by House Bill 09-1163 and House Bill 09-1132 were harmonized.
ANNOTATION
Internet child exploitation does not violate the dormant commerce clause. People v. Helms, 2016 COA 90, 396 P.3d 1133.
Internet child exploitation is not unconstitutionally overbroad. The crime does not punish a substantial amount of protected speech. People v. Helms, 2016 COA 90, 396 P.3d 1133.
Internet child exploitation is not unconstitutionally vague. The elements are clear and defendant offered no example of how the statute was capable of more than one interpretation. People v. Helms, 2016 COA 90, 396 P.3d 1133.
"Importuning, inviting, or enticing" requires a defendant to do more than allow a viewer to continue viewing the defendant's intimate parts after the defendant comes to know or believe that the viewer is younger than 15 years old. People v. Heywood, 2014 COA 99, 357 P.3d 201.
Convictions for internet luring of a child and internet sexual exploitation of a child under a complicity theory vacated because prosecution failed to prove that defendant committed the crimes or that defendant acted as an accomplice to a principal who committed the crimes. People v. Douglas, 2012 COA 57, 296 P.3d 234.
Defendant's request to send him pictures of a sex act that he thought were taken during a previous communication does not constitute an attempt to persuade a child to engage in a sex act "while communicating" with the defendant. Defendant's conviction cannot be sustained on that evidence. People v. Helms, 2016 COA 90, 396 P.3d 1133.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-3-405.4
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-405.4 cover?
Section 18-3-405.4 ("Internet sexual exploitation of a child.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 18-3-405.4?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-405.4" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 18-3-405.4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.