How a Sex Crime Conviction Can Affect Your Future

 Posted on October 30, 2023 in Sex crimes

A sex crime conviction can have a profound impact on your life. Besides having to serve time in prison and having a criminal record, the stigma of being a sex offender will always follow you.

If you have been charged with a sex crime, you need to do everything you can to protect yourself. The first step to protect your civil liberties and reputation is hiring a Davis County sex crimes attorney.

Types of Sex Crimes in Utah

Sex crimes are crimes that involve illegal sexual activity or a form of violence during a sexual act. Rape, forcible sexual abuse (sexual assault), forcible sodomy, and sex trafficking are all considered sex crimes under Utah Code.

Some basic definitions for each:

• Rape (first-degree felony): sexual intercourse with another person without that person’s consent
• Forcible sexual abuse (second-degree felony): touching the private genitalia or breasts of another person without that person’s consent
• Forcible sodomy (first-degree): engaging in sodomy with another person without that person’s consent
• Sex trafficking: the use of force, fraud, or coercion to get someone to perform sexual acts that involve the exchange of money

Prison Sentences

For a first-degree felony, such as rape or forcible sodomy, you can expect to spend at least five years in prison, potentially serving a life sentence. In the instance of rape, if there are aggravating factors, you will be serving at least 15 years in prison, with the potential for a life sentence.

For a second-degree felony, such as forcible sexual abuse or sex trafficking, you will spend anywhere between one to 15 years in jail.

Even though only one in 10 sexual assault cases in Utah end in conviction, do not rely on your charges ending with the police. A Salt Lake City sex crimes attorney will be able to provide you with aggressive representation from the moment you are charged in the event that your charges are handed over to a prosecutor.

You Will Be Placed on the Sex Offender Registry

If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will be required to register as a sex offender. Depending on the crime, you may be placed on the list for ten years following the end of your sentence, or you may be registered for life.

Information on the sex offender registry is public, and your name, home address, and workplace can be viewed by anyone. A person may be able to even get a picture of you, violating your anonymity and defiling your good name.

Trouble Finding Future Employment

Having a criminal record can affect your ability to find a decent job. Many employers reject an applicant who has a criminal record. Employers do have a legal right to turn away prospective job seekers who have a criminal record, even if they are the most qualified to take on the position.

While employers will not necessarily check to see if you have a record, a background check will reveal any criminal history. An employer may not hire you since they fear that you may commit future crimes.

Difficulty Renting or Buying a Home

If you are looking to rent, a landlord is legally permitted to deny your application if you have a criminal history. Even buying a home can become challenging since real estate agents fear that selling a home to a sex offender may lower property values in the area.

Besides these hurdles, in many states, a sex offender is usually prohibited from living a certain distance from schools and recreational facilities. Thankfully, this is not a restriction in Utah.

A Salt Lake City, UT, Sex Crimes Attorney Fighting for You

Everybody deserves a fair trial. That starts with quality representation from an attorney who truly cares about the outcome of your case. You need someone who can defend your rights. If you have been charged with a sex crime, contact a Davis County, UT, criminal defense lawyer today to schedule your free consultation. Collins Rupp, P.C. is ready to help.