In Utah, cases involving sex crimes are investigated and prosecuted with the utmost seriousness. However, the law involving such crimes can be confusing, especially for charges involving statutory rape. Under Utah law, statutory rape occurs when a defendant engages in consensual sexual contact with a minor who, because they are a minor, is too young to consent to the sexual contact. Moreover, the defendant must know or should have reasonably known the age difference before engaging in the sexual encounter. For this blog, we will delve deeper into what strategies are available for those charged with statutory rape.

At the outset, if you have been charged with statutory rape, understand you are in serious legal jeopardy. Being convicted of such a charge can land someone in prison while also requiring the convicted individual to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life, which can devastate someone’s life and career. Therefore, if you have been charged with statutory rape, do not hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable sex crimes attorney who will work to ensure your rights are protected and that the most favorable outcome possible is pursued in your case.

Strategies for Defending Against Statutory Rape Charges in Utah

Depending on the state, few strategies are generally available to combat a statutory rape charge. Luckily, in Utah, there are options available for one’s defense. These options include the following: 

Being charged with a crime can be a terrifying experience. This is especially true when being charged with a serious crime, such as a sex crime. Defending yourself against a sex crime charge is no easy task. Due to the severity of such crimes, the police and community may assume you are guilty before any trial has taken place. 

To put yourself in the best possible position for a positive outcome in your case, there are several things you should do when you are charged with a sex crime. At the outset, strongly consider consulting with an experienced sex crime defense attorney. This is the first step you should take to help prevent the prosecution from securing a conviction against you. A sex crime conviction could mean decades of prison time and the lifetime designation of being a sex offender. 

What to Do When Faced with Sex Crime Charges

When faced with serious criminal charges, besides immediately hiring an attorney, there are several other things you should do, including:

 Sex crimes are often perceived as being amongst the most despicable offenses that a person can engage in. They fall into a category where, even if you are acquitted, being associated with such acts can permanently ruin your reputation. Moreover, the potentially graphic and disturbing nature of sex crimes makes it likely that cases involving such acts will likely be highly publicized, putting even more pressure on the state to secure a conviction against you. 

Because of public outcry about sex crimes, and the current social movement towards paying more attention sex crimes and prosecuting them more aggressively, the state's aggressiveness to secure a conviction against you can sometimes infringe on your constitutional rights. That being the case, if you have been accused of or charged with a sex crime, you must get legal counsel as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and the sooner you meet with an attorney, the sooner your defense can begin getting prepared. 

Types of Sex Crimes in Utah

In Utah, there is a wide range of sex crimes with which someone can be charged. In addition to whatever sentence a convicted person is given, he or she will likely be required to register as a sex offender for life. Sex crimes in Utah include:

Utah is known for being a very family-friendly state, and its laws against sexually exploiting children in video and photographs are strict and highly punitive. The criminal record of those convicted of possession, creation, or distribution of child pornography can be devastating, requiring lifetime registration as a sex offender and the many unpleasant consequences that come along with that. If you are facing charges of sexually exploiting a child, get help from a Utah sex crimes defense attorney right away. 

What is Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Utah? 

The law that applies to the sexual exploitation of a minor specifically relates to the production, possession, and distribution of child pornography. A child’s parents can also be charged under this law for knowingly allowing their child to be depicted in pornographic images or videos. Even if the child was not actually involved in sexual conduct, simply depicting the child as if he or she were is against the law. 

An essential part of the law is that the accused did their actions knowingly; it may, under certain circumstances, be possible for an attorney to argue that you are not guilty because you did not knowingly view child pornography. Claiming not to know the age of the victim is not a viable defense. 

Although many cases of rape accusations never move past the investigation phase for lack of evidence, there are innocent men in jail today because of alleged rapes they did not commit. If you have been falsely accused of or charged with rape or sexual assault, it is important to take this seriously and to immediately hire a criminal defense attorney with experience in Utah sex crimes charges. The sooner you can take charge of the situation, the better the outcome is likely to be. 

What Should I Do if Someone is Falsely Accusing Me of Rape? 

Despite studies suggesting that false accusations of rape are rare, the truth is that accusations are easy to make and can quickly have a devastating impact on the accused’s life. Utah’s conservative religious environment sometimes results in young women who feel guilty about voluntary sexual behavior trying to excuse it or cover up their culpability by accusing a young man of rape or sexual assault. 

If you have been accused of any kind of sexual assault, it is important to take action right away and to understand that even though evidence may be slim or nonexistent, you may still face serious consequences for the actions of which you are accused. If you find out that you are being investigated for sexual assault, hire an attorney right away who will conduct an independent investigation and present the police or prosecutor with evidence that the allegations are false.