An 18-year-old Colorado Springs resident faces multiple criminal charges after police reportedly had "probable cause" to arrest the teen. According to a media story about the teen's arrest, he faces multiple criminal charges related to sex crimes including using the Internet to lure a child, sexual exploitation of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The 18-year-old allegedly used social media websites including Facebook to meet and engage with females both older and younger than 18-years-old. Upon engaging with these individuals, the 18-year-old is accused of soliciting sexually explicit material including photographs and videos. The teen currently faces multiple felony charges and, if convicted, could potentially be sentenced to serve years in prison along with probation.

While the news story related to the 18-year-old's arrest fails to go into specifics, sex crimes cases involving the use of the Internet often present many challenges for prosecutors. In this case, it's possible that an individual other than the accused was using the Facebook profile and email. Additionally, the ages of those individuals believed to have been involved may have been unknown or may have been misrepresented.

Individuals facing charges related to sex crimes are often presumed guilty by society. Charges related to sexual assault, solicitation of a minor or Internet sex crimes carry a stigma that may result in the accused losing his or her job and being shunned by family members and friends. In many cases, a felony conviction often results in an individual's life forever being adversely impacted.

Colorado residents who are facing criminal charges related to sex crimes would be wise to retain a criminal defense attorney. An attorney who handles matters related to sex crimes will ensure an individual's rights are protected and defended.

Source: KWGN, "Springs man arrested, allegedly used social media to solicit girls for sex," Stephanie Wolf, Feb. 8, 2014