Colorado Child Pornography Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed September 02, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Colorado law prohibits child pornography under a broad statute covering the sexual exploitation of a child. As in most states, Colorado punishes the creation or sale of child pornography more harshly than the possession of it. Still, charges for possession of child pornography carry severe penalties.
Here, we'll explain Colorado's child porn laws. We'll also discuss the penalties for these charges. If you're facing child pornography charges, it's best to seek advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
What Constitutes Child Pornography in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, it's illegal to engage a minor (under 18) in sexually explicit activity. Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) Section 18-6-403 specifically bans the following conduct when the defendant performs it for sexual excitement or sexual gratification:
- Erotic fondling
- Erotic nudity
- Masturbation
- Sexual intercourse
- Sadomasochism
- Sexual enticement
The statute also calls this offense sexual child abuse. Below, we'll discuss the various child porn offenses as well as the penalties for each offense. All of these crimes are felonies, not misdemeanors.
Child Pornography Statutes in Colorado: Chart
The following table outlines Colorado's child pornography laws.
Statutes | Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-6-403 (sexual exploitation of a child) Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-6-404 (procurement of a child for sexual exploitation) Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-3-405.4 (internet sexual exploitation of a child) |
---|---|
What is prohibited? | You may face criminal charges if law enforcement catches you engaging in the following acts:
|
Penalties | Sexual exploitation of a child: Colorado law treats this crime as a Class 3 felony punishable by four to 12 years in prison. Procurement of a child for sexual exploitation: This offense qualifies as a Class 3 felony and is punishable by a prison term of four to 12 years. Internet sexual exploitation of a child: This is a Class 4 felony punishable by two to six years in prison. The state also requires people guilty of child pornography charges to register as a sex offender. In most cases, sex offender registration continues for the rest of your life. |
Defenses | Once the district attorney files criminal charges against you, your criminal defense attorney will have the chance to raise a defense. The following defenses may be available to you:
|
Who Is Exempt From Colorado's Child Porn Statute?
Colorado's criminal laws on child pornography do not apply to peace officers. Court personnel are also exempt from these laws. Physicians, psychologists, therapists, and social workers are also exempt so long as they carry a valid professional license from the State of Colorado. They must possess the explicit materials during bona fide treatment or evaluation.
Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.
Get Legal Help With Your Child Pornography Case in Colorado
The penalties under Colorado child pornography laws are severe. You and your child pornography defense lawyer will have a chance to build a solid defense strategy.
You'll want a trusted Colorado criminal defense attorney to discuss your case and start crafting your defense.
Colorado Child Pornography Laws: Related Resources
The creation, sale, or mere possession of child pornography is a serious offense. For more information, see the resources below:
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex cases usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Sexual assaults & sex crime convictions often have long sentences and lifelong consequences
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life

Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.