Sexting has become a common practice among adults in the U.S. That is when you use electronic communication — usually your cell phone — to send sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos to someone else. In one study, 88% of adults said they have done it at least once in their life. In many instances, it may be a harmless activity, but if you’re not careful, you may be charged with a sex crime in Utah.

Sex crimes in Utah are more common than you might think. In 2023, there were about 4,970 cases reported to the state Bureau of Criminal Identification. When you apply this number to the population of Utah (3.418 million), that is 145.4 cases per 100,000 people. 

While the Beehive State isn’t known for violence, the one violent crime that is higher than the national average is rape. If you live in Utah, you likely know a rape survivor. Almost 20% of women and 6.5% of men in the state are statistically likely to be victims of rape in their lifetime.

Sexually motivated crimes carry serious penalties—not the least of which could be a lifetime dealing with the strict rules of the sex offender registry. With so much on the line, it’s important to know the laws in Utah around sex crimes. Here are four things you should know about sex crimes in Utah.

Staci joins the defense team as an experienced criminal defense and appellate attorney.

The United Nations defines domestic abuse as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.” In Utah, the legal term is “domestic violence,” and it’s defined as any offense that involves either violence or a threat of violence against a cohabitant. Domestic violence also includes specific crimes that the state lists in its code.

Under Utah code, domestic violence is defined as any crime that involves violence or a threat of violence against someone who lives with you. This can include your spouse, children, family members, and even roommates. If you commit a violent crime against any cohabitant, that qualifies for a domestic violence charge. However, you might not see the consequences immediately. 

On September 25th, 2024, Patrick Hayes was shot and left to die on a roadway in Wasatch County, Utah. His family was deeply disappointed to read the recent statement released by the Wasatch County Attorney’s Office. It is beyond frustrating that the County Attorney is declining to prosecute an obviously dangerous offender, and it is maddening that they are doing so based upon an incorrect reading of Utah law.

If you are charged with a crime, that does not mean all hope is lost. The United States Constitution has given you the right to defend yourself, so you are not considered guilty from the get-go.