Salt Lake City Sex Crimes Lawyer

Aggressive Salt Lake City, UT Defense Attorney Representing Clients Accused of Sex Crimes

An accusation of a sex crime can threaten to destroy your reputation, and if you are convicted, you could face years or even decades in prison. With the help of a skilled sex crimes lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah, you can present your side of the story to the court and stay informed of your rights.

At Salt City Defense, we understand just how much is on the line against allegations of rape and other serious sex crimes. Our criminal defense attorney will stand up for you in the courtroom and work with you one-on-one to determine the best possible defense against your charges.

Rape

In Utah, the crime of rape is defined as having non-consensual sexual intercourse with another person. This is a first-degree felony, which carries anywhere from five years to life in prison in Utah. However, the charge can be upgraded to a minimum of 15 years in prison if the aggressor seriously injured the victim. If the aggressor had a prior conviction of a grievous sexual offense, then the prosecution can seek a sentence of life without parole.

Since this crime comes with strict minimum prison sentences and lifetime placement on a sex offender registry, it is critical that you seek out qualified legal representation to fight the allegations against you. At Salt City Defense, we may be able to contest a rape charge by questioning if the accusation was falsified, or by asserting that the act was consensual between both parties. We will review the hard facts of your case to help determine the best defense on your behalf.

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Intentionally viewing or knowingly possessing child sex abuse material is a serious crime. This offense is charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by a minimum of a year to a maximum of 15 years in prison, as well as a possible fine of up to $10,000.

The law recognizes one notable affirmative defense against sexual exploitation of a minor under very specific circumstances. If, at the time of the offense, you were no more than two years older than the depicted minor, did not solicit the material from the depicted minor themselves, and complied with any request from law enforcement to delete the material from your possession, you could be protected from prosecution.

Additionally, there are several "good faith" exceptions for members of law enforcement, attorneys, jurors, and government employees who are accessing the material as part of ongoing legal proceedings or as part of their employment.

Prostitution

The practice of prostitution — which refers to engaging in sexual activities for money or an equivalent reward — is outlawed in Utah. On a first conviction, this crime is punished as a class B misdemeanor which has a maximum sentence of six months in jail. All subsequent convictions are class A misdemeanors, which carry up to 364 days in jail on a conviction.

Notably, a prostitute could be protected from prosecution for reporting a violent crime, even if they were engaging in prostitution at or close to the time of the crime. At Salt City Defense, we can go over other defenses against a prostitution charge, such as a lack of evidence.

Contact a Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah

Sex crimes are undoubtedly among some of the most serious offenses you can be charged with. At Salt City Defense, our Salt Lake County sex crimes attorney can advocate for you, working to protect your freedom with skilled arguments and negotiation.

We are available 24/7 for any client inquiries. To schedule a free initial consultation, you can reach out to us online or call us at 919-744-6471 today.