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Sextortion Defense Lawyer in Utah

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Sextortion Defense Lawyer in Utah

Sextortion lawyer graphic - Wasatch Defense LawyersA lawsuit against you for allegedly committing sexual extortion can cost you. Given the seriousness of the case, you need a professional sextortion lawyer in Utah to represent you. If you want an attorney who will fight for you, contact Wasatch Defense Lawyers today for a FREE consultation.

 

What is Sexual Extortion?

Sexual extortion, also known as sextortion, is a form of blackmail or coercion in which sexual information or images of an individual are used as leverage to demand something in return. It is a form of abuse and harassment that can have serious emotional, psychological, and sometimes even physical consequences for the victim.

The perpetrator of sexual extortion may threaten to release or distribute explicit photos or videos of the victim to their friends, family, or online networks unless the victim agrees to their demands. These demands may include the payment of money, the performance of sexual acts, or the provision of personal information that can be used for further exploitation.

Victims of sexual extortion often feel ashamed, embarrassed, and afraid to seek help, which can lead to a perpetuation of the abuse. It is important to remember that sexual extortion is never the victim’s fault, and that they should never feel ashamed or alone in their experience.

If you or someone you know is being sexually extorted, it is important to seek help and support from a trusted friend, family member, or professional. Law enforcement agencies and victim support organizations can provide information, resources, and assistance in dealing with the situation and protecting your safety and well-being.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City Immediately If You’re a Victim of Sexual Extortion in Utah

Why It’s Important to Report Sextortion

Sexual extortion is a serious and growing problem, especially in the age of digital communication and social media. It involves the use of threats, coercion, or manipulation to force someone into sexual acts or to obtain sexual material including images or videos. This can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation, and can have devastating consequences for the victim.

One of the most important reasons to report sexual extortion is to stop the perpetrator from continuing to victimize others. Often, these individuals are repeat offenders who prey on multiple victims, and reporting their behavior can help prevent future harm. By speaking out, you can also empower others who may be experiencing similar situations to come forward and seek help.

Reporting Sexual Extortion is Crucial in Preventing Future Harm to Others and Sending a Message That This Behavior is Not Acceptable.

Reporting sexual extortion can also help to break down the culture of silence and shame around sexual violence and encourage others to take action against it. In addition, reporting can lead to criminal charges and prosecution for the perpetrator, which can bring a sense of justice and closure to the victim.

It is also important to report sexual extortion for your own well-being and safety. This type of abuse can have serious emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Seeking support and reporting the abuse can help you to get the help you need to heal and move forward.

Sexual Exploitation 

A study on sexual extortion by Senior Fellow Benjamin Franklin Wittes reveals that 78% of the victims are mostly minors; the offenders are all male and usually have more than one victim. The adult victims are all women while the child victims are boys and girls. Teens are particularly profoundly easy to target due to their sexting tendencies. Further, Franklin estimates that there could be an estimated 6,000 sextortion victims.

Sexual exploitation cases are on the increase, but one that affected a massive number of victims is that of Lucas Michael Chansler.  He used to pose as a 15-year-old boy and then befriended young girls aged 13-18 on social media sites like Myspace and AIM between 2007 and 2010. He victimized over 350 from Canada, US, and the UK.   Whenever he had an opportunity to video-chat with his victims, he would coerce them into sending explicit photos. Unknown to the victims, Lucas was recording everything. In 2015 after the investigation by the FBI, Chansler was found guilty and hit with a 106 years sentence for sex crimes.

Sextortion Laws in Utah

Cyber exploitation laws in the state of Utah laws define that a person 18 years or older is guilty of committing sexual extortion if the individual has an intent to coerce a victim to produce, distribute explicit images, videos, or other recordings when naked or when engaging sexual conduct.  Such offenders will threaten to distribute images, videos or the recordings of the victims that involve sexual conduct.  In the State of Utah, sexual extortion is a third-degree felony, aggravated sexual extortion involving an adult is a second-degree felony while aggravated sexual extortion involving a minor or a vulnerable adult is a second-degree felony.

Penalties for Sextortion in Utah

Unfortunately, just like cyber-attacks like revenge porn, there are no outright laws on either sextortion or a uniform punishment for the offenders. However, a sexual exploitation offender will be punished for various crimes such as extortion, intimidation, bribery, child pornography, and cyberstalking.  The circumstance of your case will determine how your charges will be. You could even be charged with a number of crimes. And it gets even more serious if it involved a minor.

Sexual Exploitation Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

It doesn’t matter if the allegations are unfounded, how well you’re able to prove your innocence or how good your reputation was before the accusations; a sextortion lawsuit is a serious case. Wasatch Defense Lawyers can handle your case so you can regain your freedom. Our criminal defense lawyers in Salt Lake, Utah can work to reduce the charges, help you stay out of jail, keep you out of the sex offender registry or even get the case charges dropped.

If You or Someone you Know is a Victim of Sexual Extortion, Call the Wasatch Defense Lawyers at: (801) 980-9965 to Schedule a Free Sextortion Case Review

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