Sex Crimes

The lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat have  handled every type of sex crime case in Utah and have a proven track record of success. Winning cases with sexual allegations requires extensive investigation and preparation for trial. It is important to retain an attorney as early in the case as possible so that your rights are protected.

If you have been charged or are being investigated for a sexually motivated crime, you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney who has been through these types of battles before and won.

Attorneys Defending Sex Crimes in Utah

Utah has some of the most punitive laws in the nation in regards to sexual crimes, which means Utah has many sex offenders in prison and more on the state registry. The stakes are high, since a conviction can result in mandatory imprisonment and registration as a sex offender.

The lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat not only do their best to secure a not guilty verdict at trial, but they have been successful in obtaining reimbursement of fees after a not guilty verdict. Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat has been at the forefront of law firms seeking reimbursement of fees for public officials accused of wrongdoing, including sex crimes, after an acquittal.

Call (801) 532-5297 today.

  • Real Case Results
    Internet Sex Crimes in Utah
  • Sex Offender Registration
  • Petitions for Early Removal of the Utah Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry
  • The Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes in Utah
  • Additional Resources

Sex Crimes: Real Case Results

- A popular high school teacher was accused of sexually abusing a high school student on several occasions. The teacher faced numerous first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy and several second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse. Holding firm that he was innocent of the allegations and after a long litigation process and extensive investigation, Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat secured a not guilty verdict on all counts. School District paid legal fees based upon Utah law.

- In 2006, a female junior high school teacher was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old female student during the 1994-1995 school years. The teacher faced several felony counts, requiring mandatory prison. After presenting the case to a jury, the jury found the teacher not guilty on all counts. The Utah Supreme Court then ordered that all attorneys' fees be paid by the school district.

- A female defendant was charged with rape and sodomy. Charges against the defendant were dismissed by the prosecution prior to trial following further investigation and insight into the alleged victim's claims.

- A defendant was charged with sexual abuse of a child in Provo, Utah. The case was dismissed by the prosecution at the preliminary hearing when, upon cross-examination by Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat attorneys, it was revealed that the victim was unable to identify the defendant or verify the details of her story.

- A defendant was charged with ten state felonies involving possession of child pornography after agents from the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force entered his home and searched and questioned the defendant and his wife. Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat filed a motion to suppress all evidence found and provided facts to the Court that law enforcement officers told lies in order to get into a private citizen's home without a warrant. The District Court granted the motion, agreeing with each argument raised by Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat. The case was dismissed.

Internet Sex Crimes in Utah

Cases involving possession of child pornography and internet solicitation come with the threat of a long prison term.

The lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat are always looking for unique ways to defend these cases and are making headway in forcing the courts to allow expert testimony offered by the accused to assure that the rights of the accused are fully protected.

Sex Offender Registration

Under Utah Code Ann. § 77-41, the Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry require the Utah Department of Corrections maintain a registry of persons who have been convicted of certain qualifying offenses for at least ten (10) years and perhaps as long as life.

Those qualifying offenses are listed in Utah Code Ann. 77-41-102(9) and (16) of the statute as follows:

  • Aggravated sexual assault - 76-5-405
  • Aggravated exploitation of prostitution - 76-10-1306
  • Aggravated human trafficking - 76-5-310
  • Aggravated kidnapping - 76-5-302
  • Child kidnapping - 76-5-301.1
  • Custodial sexual relations (person in custody under age of 18) - 76-5-412
  • Enticing a minor - A Felony or Class A Misdemeanor - 76-4-401
  • Forcible sodomy - A Felony - 76-5-403
  • Forcible sexual abuse - 76-5-404
  • Incest - 76-7-102
  • Kidnapping - 76-5-301(1)(c) or (d) Lewdness (4 convictions required for registration): 76-9-702
  • Lewdness involving a child - 76-9-702.5
  • Rape - 76-5-402
  • Rape of a child - 76-5-402.1
  • Object rape - 76-5-402.2
  • Object rape of a child - 76-5-402.3
  • Sexual battery (4 convictions required for registration) - 76-9-702.1
  • Sexual exploitation of a vulnerable adult - 76-5b-202
  • Sexual abuse of a minor: 76-5-401.1 except under Subsection 76-5-401.1(3)(a)
  • Sexual abuse of a child or aggravated sexual abuse of a child - 76-5-404.1
  • Sexual exploitation of a minor - 76-5b-201
  • Sodomy of a child - 76-5-403.1
  • Unlawful sexual activity with a minor - A Felony violation: 76-5-401
  • Unlawful sexual conduct with a 16 or 17-year-old - 76-5-401.2
  • Voyeurism - A Felony or Class A Misdemeanor - 76-9-702.7

Any charge for conspiring, soliciting or attempting any of these offenses is also included as a qualifying offense under Utah Code Ann. § 77-41. Registration is also required for anyone committed to the Utah State Hospital because of their mental condition and who also have committed or been alleged to have committed any of the listed offenses.

Petitions for Early Removal of the Utah Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry

Certain offenders convicted in the State of Utah of one of the qualifying offenses listed below may be eligible to petition the court for early removal from the Utah Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry five (5) years after completion of the sentence:

  • 76-4-401 Enticing a minor (class A misdemeanor offenses only)
  • 76-5-301 Kidnapping
  • 76-5-401.2 Unlawful sexual conduct with a 16 or 17-year-old (eligible only if at the time of the offense the offender was not more than 15 years older than the victim)
  • 76-5-401 Unlawful sexual activity with a minor (eligible only if at the time of the offense the offender was not more than ten (10) years older than the victim)
  • 76-5-304 Unlawful detention
  • 76-9-702.7 Voyeurism (class A misdemeanor offenses only)

The Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes in Utah

Under Section 76-1-301(2), Utah law provides a list of sexually motivated offenses for which prosecution may be commenced at any time including:

  • rape;
  • rape of a child;
  • object rape;
  • object rape of a child;
  • forcible sodomy;
  • sodomy on a child;
  • sexual abuse of a minor child;
  • aggravated sexual abuse of a child;
  • aggravated sexual assault; or
  • aggravated exploitation of prostitution involving a child, under Section 76-10-1306.

For these sexually motivated crimes in Utah, the normal four-year statute of limitations period for a felony does not apply.

Additional Resources

Sex Offender Registration in Utah - Visit the website for the Utah Department of Corrections and the Sex Offender Registration Program to learn more about SONAR (Sex and Kidnap Offender Notification and Registration). Read more about why Utah Code Ann. § 77-41 requires the DOC to publish certain information in the registry.

Title 76 Chapter 5 Part 4 Section 406 - Visit the website of the Utah State Legislature at Utah.gov to learn more about Section 406, Sexual offenses against the victim without the consent of the victim.

Rules for Sex Offender Registration in Salt Lake City - Visit the website of the Salt Lake City Police Department to learn more about who the Police Department in Salt Lake City is now responsible for the registration of all sex offenders who are off probation or parole or with a previous conviction. Per Utah Code §77-27-21.5, a sex offender must register once every six (6) months depending on the person’s date of birth. The offender is also required to update personal information within three business days of any change in an educational institution, employment or residence.

Finding a Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake County

The attorneys at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP help men and women charged with sexually motivated crimes throughout Greater Salt Lake including the communities of Copperton Township, Herriman, Holladay, Kearns, Midvale, Magna, Millcreek, Riverton, Southeast and the City of Taylorsville, Utah.

Our criminal defense lawyers fight sex cases throughout Salt Lake County and the surrounding areas including Davis County, Tooele County, Summit County, Morgan County, Wasatch County, and Utah County.

Let us put our experience to work for you. Call today for a free consultation. (801) 532-5297

Criminal Defense — Utah

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crime Charges in Utah

1 What should I do if I am being investigated for a sex crime in Utah?

If you are under investigation or have been contacted by law enforcement, do not make any statements or participate in an interview without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Contact an experienced Utah sex crimes defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and manage all communications with the police.

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2 What are the potential penalties for a sex crime conviction?

Penalties for sex offenses in Utah vary based on the severity of the charge. They can range from class B misdemeanors for lewdness to first-degree felonies for rape, which carry a sentence of five years to life in prison. Many convictions also result in mandatory registration on the Utah Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry.

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3 How long do I have to stay on the Utah Sex Offender Registry?

The duration of registration depends on the specific offense. Many serious offenses require lifetime registration. However, for certain lower-level offenses, you may be eligible for early removal from the registry after 10 years if you meet specific legal requirements.

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4 Can a sex crime charge be dismissed or reduced in Utah?

Yes. With a strong defense strategy, it is possible to have charges dismissed or reduced. Our firm has successfully secured not guilty verdicts, reduction in charges, and dismissals by uncovering false allegations, challenging the admissibility of evidence, or highlighting a lack of credible testimony during preliminary hearings.

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5 What is the statute of limitations for sex crimes in Utah?

In Utah, there is no statute of limitations for several serious sex crimes, including rape and object rape. This means a person can be prosecuted for these offenses at any time, even decades after the alleged incident occurred. Other offenses may have specific time limits ranging from four to eight years.

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6 What qualifies as Sexual Battery under Utah law?

Under Utah Code § 76-9-418, sexual battery occurs when a person intentionally touches the intimate or private parts of another person when they know (or should know) it will cause affront or alarm. While often charged as a misdemeanor, it still carries significant social and legal consequences.

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7 How does Jessica's Law affect sentencing in Utah?

Utah's version of Jessica's Law imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life for certain grievous offenses involving children, such as rape of a child or sodomy on a child. These sentences are often mandatory and cannot be suspended or reduced by the court in most circumstances.

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8 Does Utah have laws against Revenge Porn?

Yes. Utah law refers to this as the Distribution of an Intimate Image (Utah Code § 76-5b-203). Distributing sexually explicit images of an individual without their consent is a class A misdemeanor for the first offense and can be elevated to a third-degree felony for subsequent offenses.

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DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Contacting Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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