Legally Reviewed by Shazam Kianpour on August 25, 2026
A man was scheduled to be in court for his verdict in a sexual assault case, but according to reports the man never showed up. He was convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. These charges were very serious, and the conviction would have resulted in the man serving time in prison.
Since the man didn’t show up for his verdict hearing, the judge put a warrant out for his arrest. He was a Tae Kwon Do instructor, and reported had sexual relationships with three young female students. While going through a trial can be very difficult, it is important that handle their case through legal routes.
Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney after an arrest for sexual assault in the Denver area might be a wise decision. After an arrest, people are typically questioned by police. They might even be asked questions by authorities before they are arrested. This information can sometimes be used against a person in court.
It is important that a person has a fair trial. An attorney can help ensure a person doesn’t answer incriminating questions and has the right to defend their record and reputation. A conviction of a sex crime can not only lead to significant prison time, but is often accompanied by a stigma of the crime through the rest of their life. An attorney will work to protect a person’s reputation and gather evidence to prove that the person is innocent.
Source: ABC 7, “Tae Kwon Do instructor convicted of sexually assaulting young students is now a fugitive,” Sept. 24, 2013
How Sex Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust Is Charged in Colorado
Colorado law treats sexual assault on a child differently when the accused person held a position of trust, such as a teacher, coach, or instructor, in relation to the alleged victim. This designation can affect both how the charge is classified and the range of sentencing a court can impose if a conviction results. Because the position-of-trust element is something the prosecution must prove in addition to the underlying conduct, it is one of several elements a defense attorney will examine closely.
These cases often rely heavily on witness testimony, which makes the timeline, consistency of statements, and any corroborating or contradicting evidence especially important to how a sex assault on a child case is built and defended.
What Happens When a Defendant Fails to Appear
When a defendant does not appear for a scheduled hearing, a Colorado court will typically issue a bench warrant for that person’s arrest. Failing to appear can be charged as a separate criminal offense on top of whatever charges were already pending, and it can also affect bond conditions if the person is later taken into custody. Courts generally view a failure to appear as a significant factor when deciding future bond and sentencing decisions.
This is separate from the underlying charge itself, and a person who has missed a court date benefits from addressing the situation with an attorney rather than continuing to avoid the court process.
Why Every Person Facing These Charges Needs a Defense
Sex crime allegations carry serious consequences, including the possibility of significant prison time and mandatory registration requirements. Because of the stakes involved, a thorough defense reviews how evidence was gathered, how any interviews were conducted, and whether the prosecution can meet its burden on every element of the charge, including any position-of-trust designation.
If you or someone you know is facing a sex crime charge in Colorado, contact our team to discuss the case and the options available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Position of Trust Sex Crime Charges in Colorado
What does “position of trust” mean in a Colorado sex crime case?
A position of trust generally refers to a relationship in which the accused person had supervisory, disciplinary, or caretaking authority over the alleged victim, such as a teacher, coach, or instructor. This designation is a separate element the prosecution must prove.
What happens if someone does not show up for a scheduled court hearing?
A court will typically issue a bench warrant for the person’s arrest. Failing to appear can also be charged as its own offense and can affect bond conditions going forward.
Do sex crime convictions in Colorado require registration?
Many sex offense convictions in Colorado carry a registration requirement in addition to any sentence imposed. The specific requirements depend on the offense and the circumstances of the conviction.
Can statements made to police before an arrest be used in court?
Yes. Statements made to investigators, even before a formal arrest, can potentially be used as evidence. This is one reason it is important to speak with an attorney before answering questions from law enforcement.
How can a defense attorney help in a sex crime case?
An attorney can review how evidence and statements were gathered, challenge whether each element of the charge is supported, and help protect the accused person’s rights throughout the court process.
About the Attorney
Founding Attorney, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C.
Shazam Kianpour is the founding attorney of Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., where he has handled thousands of criminal and traffic cases throughout the Denver area, including DUI, assault, domestic violence, and sex crime defense. He is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.