What to Know About Sex Crimes Involving Children in Salt Lake City

 Posted on January 25, 2023 in Sex crimes

As is true in virtually every state in the United States, sex crimes are among the most severe offenses someone can be arrested for and charged with. This is particularly true when children are involved. When an adult is charged with child-related sex offenses, the police, media, and community often consider the alleged offender guilty of the charges against them before any trial has begun and, thus, before the defense has had a chance to present its case.

Being convicted of a sex crime involving children can quickly decimate one’s life and career. This is why it is imperative to retain experienced counsel if you are ever charged with such a crime to try to avoid the devastation a conviction will wreak on your life. A knowledgeable criminal attorney will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected while also pursuing a favorable case outcome.  

Types of Child Sex Offenses Prosecuted in Utah

It is not hyperbole to state that when someone is charged with a sex crime relating to a child, their very freedom may very well be on the line, as prosecutors of such cases will likely be extremely aggressive as they look to convict the alleged perpetrator. When most people think of sex crimes against children, they may think of crimes like rape, sodomy, aggravated sexual assault, or even statutory rape. However, in Utah, there are additional sex crimes involving children that you ought to be aware of. These crimes include the following:

• Enticement of a minor – This refers to when someone uses electronic or written communication to solicit, seduce, or lure a minor, someone under the age of 18, with the intention to meet the minor and engage in sexual activities with them.

• Child pornography – This refers to the manufacturing, creation, or distribution of explicit sexual content involving a minor.

• Sexual mistreatment of a minor – This refers to someone who knowingly possesses or views pornographic content involving children.

When determining the penalties for such crimes, there are many factors to contend with, such as the age of the children involved, the exact nature of the alleged offenses, and the criminal history of the accused. However, regardless of what factors may be at play in a case, most sex crimes against children are prosecuted as felonies, which means they will carry more severe punishments than a misdemeanor.

Contact a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a sex crime relating to children, understand that you are in serious legal jeopardy. To have a chance at clearing your name of the charges against you, consider contacting the Davis County sex crimes defense lawyers with Collins Rupp, P.C.. Call 385-777-2753 for a free consultation.

Source: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-P4.html