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.
1. What qualifies as a sex crime?
According to the Utah code, sex crimes cover crimes as far ranging as lewdness to incest and voyerism to human trafficking. Below is an abbreviated list of sex crimes as classified in Utah. For the full list, see the Utah code website.
2. What are the classifications and punishments for sex crimes in Utah?
With a wide range of crimes that could be classified as a sex crime, the full range of classifications are in play. For example, rape is a first-degree felony, and depending on the circumstances, it may come with a minimum punishment of 5 or 15 years to life in prison. But something like unlaw sexual activity with a minor, again, depending on the circumstances, could be classified as a third-degree felony or as low as a class B misdemeanor. The potential punishments for those crimes (not including fines) are a prison term of not more than 5 years and not more than 6 months, respectively.
3. Is it possible to defend against serious sex crime charges?
The defense team at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat know what it takes (and have proven in court) to defend against serious accusations. Here are a couple cases and outcomes handled by our offices.
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. The school district paid legal fees based upon Utah law.
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.
For more examples of cases we have defended and won, visit our sex crimes page.
4. How do I find a lawyer to defend my sex crimes case?
Whether you or a loved one (adult or juvenile) has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony sex crime, you will need a strong defense to protect your rights. As we mentioned before, our expert legal team has experience defending these cases and the results to back it up. We are here to help you with any part of your case, whether you have just been charged, you’re in prison, or you are suffering from living life on the sex offender registry.
Contact us at (801) 532-5297 for a free consultation so we can get started on your case today.
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