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Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer in Utah

Sexual abuse lawyer near Salt Lake City, Utah - Sexual abuse Utah defense attorney

Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer in Utah

If you or a loved one is facing sexual abuse charges in Utah, it is essential to contact legal representation.  A sexual abuse conviction can not only come with harsh prison sentences, community service, rehabilitation and fines, but it can also cause dramatic changes in your life that will stay with you forever.  Those convicted of sexual abuse or child sexual abuse will be required to register as a sex offender sometimes for life. This information can easily be found by the public and can result in ostracization from the community as well as difficulty finding employment.

When it comes to sexual abuse, even a false accusation can lead to convictions and long legal battles.The Wasatch Defense Lawyers will protect your rights and provide you with the best legal options available in Utah. It may be possible to plea bargain to a lesser charge with a lighter punishment, or even get the charges dismissed.  Contact Wasatch Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free sexual abuse case review in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

What is the Difference Between Sexual Abuse and a Sexual Assault?

Sexual abuse and sexual assault are different charges in Utah. The primary differences between sexual assault and sexual abuse typically involve the age of the victim as well as the circumstances of the relationship between the abuser and the victim.

  • Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse occurs when the abuser is in a guardianship role or a role that requires care of the victim. In this case, the abuser uses the victim’s trust to pressure or force them into sexual activity.  In adult victims, this most commonly occurs in medical centers and nursing home facilities where the patient under care suffers abuse.  This type of abuse happens most often with the elderly as they are typically reliant on others for their daily care.  In cases of child sexual abuse, the abuser is often a family member, guardian, teacher or another adult that provides some form of care for the child.
  • Sexual Assault – Sexual assault involves an unwanted sexual behavior or act that is often violent, forced, and threatening to a victim.  Sexual assaults are typically characterized by violence and trauma.  In some instances, these assaults can even be life threatening.

Contact Wasatch Defense Lawyers Today & Schedule a Free Consultation with a Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

What is Forcible Sexual Abuse?

Forcible sexual abuse occurs when an abuser takes indecent liberties with a victim over the age of 14. This can involve touching or caressing of the victim’s breasts, buttocks, or genitalia with the intent to stimulate, arouse, or sexually gratify without consent.  The abuse can also be used to inflict physical or emotional pain on the victim.

Forcible sexual abuse carries strict prison sentences which can vary depending on the circumstance of the abuse.  Aside from certain conditions, forcible sexual abuse is considered a 2nd-degree felony and carries a sentence of one to 15 years in prison.  If during the sexual abuse, the abuser causes bodily damage to a victim, the crime can be considered a first-degree felony and will carry a sentence of 15 years to life in most circumstances.  If bodily injury occurs and the court determines a lesser sentence should be imposed, they can also sentence the abuser for terms of six years to life or 10 years to life.

What is Child Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse of a child occurs when the victim is a child and the abuser, touches the victim inappropriately on the genitals, breasts, or buttocks with the intent to produce emotional or physical pain, or to arouse or gratify.  In the instance of sexual abuse of a child, Utah law can treat it as a statutory charge, which still allows the charge to stand if the child is under the age of consent, but willing participated.  The age of consent in Utah is set at 18 years old, therefore anyone 17 or under is defined as a child and unable to give their consent to engage in sexual activity.

Aggravated Sexual Abuse

Aggravate sexual abuse is considered a more severe offense. A defendant can be charged with aggravated child sexual abuse if:

  • They used a weapon at any time during the commission of the crime
  • They were a stranger who made friends with the victim to commit the offense
  • They engaged the child in viewing or producing pornography
  • The abuse was committed on two or more victims at the same time
  • The abuse occurred more than five times with the same victim
  • The abuser was in a position of special trust
  • The act involved penetration no matter how slight
  • Bodily injury occurred during the offense
  • The act involved elements of prostitution or human trafficking

While sexual abuse of a child is a second-degree felony, aggravated sexual child abuse is treated as a first-degree felony and can incur much more stringent penalties including:

  • A prison sentence of 15 years to life
  • A sentence of life without parole is it was found that bodily harm was caused
  • A sentence of life without parole if the defendant has been previously convicted of a sexual offense.

 

Accused Of Child Abuse In Utah? The Wasatch Defense Lawyers Have Extensive Utah Sex Crimes Experience

It is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you are accused of sexual abuse, even if you have a strong reputation in the community or believe the allegations are unfounded and will be dismissed. A conviction for sexual abuse can have long-lasting consequences, so it is vital to have not only an experienced but also an aggressive defense attorney.

Schedule a Free Sexual Abuse Case Review in Salt Lake City

When you are accused of child sex abuse in Utah, it is essential that you have the right law firm in your corner. The Wasatch Defense Lawyers offer free sexual abuse case reviews in Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.Call the most experienced sexual abuse lawyers in Salt Lake City at (801) 980-9965.

When you need the help of expert sex crime defense lawyers in Salt Lake City, call today and schedule a free sex crime consultation.

Award-Winning Criminal Defense Law Firm in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you’re facing accusations of sexual abuse or a sex crime, you’re going to need help from the largest criminal defense team in Salt lake City, Utah. The Wasatch Defense Lawyers experienced team of award-winning attorneys is dedicated to protecting your freedoms and rights. We specialize in defending against sex offenses, sex crimes, rape, drug charges & theft crimes. With over 650 trials to our credit, our criminal defense team is prepared to go all the way on your behalf.

We offer free case reviews at our downtown Salt Lake City, Utah office and are available 24/7 to provide you with the best legal advice and representation. With more 5-star reviews than any other criminal defense firm in Utah, you can trust the Wasatch Defense Lawyers to fight for your rights.

Looking for an Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Near Salt Lake City, Utah? Call an Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Salt Lake City at (801) 980-9965.

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