7 Aggravating Factors in Utah Sex Crime Charges

 Posted on May 08, 2024 in Sex crimes

The state of Utah takes sex crimes very seriously. While any accusation of sex crimes can always have harsh consequences, there are aggravating factors that can present you with worse outcomes during the criminal process. This article will explore some of the aggravating factors that might make you liable for harsher penalties and sentences. If you are accused of a sex crime, make sure to hire a skilled Salt Lake City, UT criminal defense lawyer who can fight aggressively for your rights and guide you through the process.

What Factors Can Aggravate a Charge of Sex Crimes?

If you are charged with a sex crime, it is important to understand what is behind the specific charges you face. There are different types of charges and different levels of every charge, and these differences affect the type of punishment you might face if you are convicted. The following are some aggravating factors that can make your charges more severe:

• Your criminal record: Your charges can vary depending on whether this is a first alleged offense or you have prior sex crime convictions. A criminal record unrelated to sex crimes, especially if it reflects violence of some sort, might also impact your sentencing.

• Age: The severity of your charges can be impacted by the alleged victim’s age at the time of the incident. Charges can grow increasingly harsher if the person accusing you is an adult, 16-17 years old, 14 years old, 12 years old, or younger.
• Nonconsensual sexual activity: Sexual activity without consent is almost always considered an aggravating factor regardless of the type of sex crime you are accused of, and this will be considered in your case.
• Use of threats or force: If someone uses threats, coercion, or force to commit a sex crime, it is considered a demonstration of a willingness to harm the other person rather than a misunderstanding or miscommunication, which can result in harsher charges.
• Serious injury: Another aggravating factor is if the alleged sex crime resulted in serious injury to the accuser. Charges and sentencing can be impacted depending on the severity of the injury and any recovery and treatment recommended by medical professionals.
• Weapon usage: If you are accused of having used, possessed, or displayed a weapon to force another person into a sexual act, this can make you liable for harsher charges.
• Number of accusers: Charges can vary depending on whether there is one or multiple accusers. One accuser indicates an isolated incident whereas multiple accusers might indicate a pattern and a risk to society. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Davis County, UT Sex Crimes Attorney

If you are accused of a sex crime, that is something you should take very seriously. Even if you deny the accusations, the consequences can affect you for the rest of your life, so it is crucial to have a dependable Salt Lake City, UT defense lawyer to advocate zealously on your behalf, call Collins Rupp, P.C. at 385-777-2753 to schedule a free consultation.