What to Do if You Have Been Wrongfully Charged with a Sex Crime in Utah

 Posted on April 17, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Being charged with a sex crime can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. In Utah, as is true in virtually every state, sex crimes are prosecuted extremely aggressively. As a result, if you have been charged with a sex crime in Utah, you must take immediate action to ensure your rights are protected and that you can obtain the best possible legal representation.

Here is What You Should Do Immediately 

Here are some steps you should take if you have been charged with a sex crime in Utah, including:

• Seek legal advice – The first thing you should do if you have been charged with a sex crime is to seek legal advice from a qualified criminal defense attorney. Your criminal defense attorney will walk you through the legal process while advocating for your best interests.

• Remain silent – It is important to remember that anything you say to law enforcement or prosecutors can be used against you in court. Therefore, as soon as you have been charged with a sex crime, you should exercise your right to remain silent and not speak with law enforcement or prosecutors without an attorney present.

• Gather evidence – If possible, gather all evidence supporting your defense, such as text messages, emails, or other communications that show the accuser’s consent or contradict their vision of events. Your attorney can help you identify and gather this evidence.

• Understand the charges – Of course, it is vital to understand precisely what charges you face and the potential penalties. The penalties for sex crimes in Utah are severe, with those convicted potentially spending decades behind bars. It is important to know what you are up against to better move on to the next stage, which is planning your defense strategy.

• Develop a defense strategy – Your attorney will work with you to develop a strategy specifically tailored to the serious charges against you and the circumstances of your case. This may involve challenging evidence, questioning the accuser’s credibility, or negotiating a plea agreement.

• Prepare for a trial – If you have been charged with a sex crime, you may end up standing trial. Your attorney will help you understand what to expect during the trial and will work to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the proceedings.

Contact a Salt Lake City Sex Crimes Attorney

Be sure to call an experienced attorney today. For professional legal representation, look no further than the Davis County sex crime lawyers with Collins Rupp, P.C.. Call 385-777-2753 for a free consultation.

Source - https://apps.rainn.org/policy/policy-crime-definitions-export.cfm?state=utah&group=3