Sex Crimes

Being charged with a sex crime is more damaging than it may seem. Sex crimes are very serious and can have irreparable effects on the defendant’s life, family, career, and reputation.

If you’re facing a criminal charge for a sex crime, it is crucial to seek legal help from a skilled St. George criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your rights.  

At Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions, we have extensive experience in handling every type of sex crime case with a proven track record. We actively pursue all possible legal options to obtain the best possible outcome in each case, including dismissal and reduction of the charges. We provide the most aggressive and unyielding defense you need to win your case.

Call us now and schedule an initial consultation with our criminal defense law firm.

Why Do I Need a Sex Crimes Attorney in Utah?

Facing sex crime charges can be an overwhelming and daunting experience, especially if do not know what to expect from Utah’s criminal justice system. If you or someone in your family was accused of a sex crime, know that you do not have to go through this difficult time on your own.

Our competent St. George sex crimes attorneys at Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions are here to fight the allegations and charges against you.  

Our criminal defense law firm has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the laws and the legal processes involved across a wide range of sex crimes practice areas. We have decades of legal experience that makes a great difference in the outcome of every single case we take on and in the lives of every single client we serve. We will diligently represent you in court, fight for your rights, and avoid convictions and criminal records.

Call us now and schedule an initial case evaluation with our criminal defense law firm.

What is a Sex Crime?

A sex crime involves an unlawful act that causes another person-whether due to force or a threat-to engage in an unwanted sex act. Many sex crimes arise from circumstances when a sexual act is committed violently and offensively against the other party involved. It is considered one of the most serious crimes in the criminal justice system.

Utah has some of the most punitive laws in the nation regarding sexual crimes. There are both federal and state statutes defining these crimes and their punishments. A credible sex crimes attorney in St. George UT can help you understand these laws and guide you on how to defend yourself against these criminal charges.

What are the Different Types of Sex Crimes?

A sex crime is a broad category that consists of a variety of offenses involving sexual conduct committed against someone else. A knowledgeable St. George sex crimes lawyer can help you understand the different types of sex crimes. Common examples of sex offenses include:

Child Molestation and Sexual Conduct with a Minor

This act is a sex offense that involves a range of indecent sexual conduct involving a child under the age of 15. It involves the act of touching, fondling, or manipulating the genitals or anus. Child molestation is defined as inappropriate physical contact between a child and adult where the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator.

Child Pornography

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. Possession, production, or distribution of any form of pornographic material involving children or minors under the age of 18 is considered illegal. Images can include actual photographs, videos, drawings, or images created digitally.

Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure laws in most states make it a crime to purposefully display one’s genitals in public, causing others to be alarmed or offended. The exposure cannot be accidental. It has to be willful or intentional.

Prostitution

Prostitution involves engaging, agreeing, or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for some type of compensation. In Utah, a person is guilty of prostitution when they engage in any sexual activity with another person for a fee, are an inmate of a “house of prostitution,” or loiter in or within view of any public place to be hired to engage in sexual activity.

It’s important to note that a sexual act does not have to occur to be arrested for prostitution. Just an agreement to exchange money for sex is sufficient to obtain a conviction.

Rape

Rape refers to non-consensual sexual acts that are either committed by physical force, the threat of injury, or other duress, or committed against people who are legally or otherwise unable to consent. It is one of the most serious criminal offenses that can be perpetrated. A rape charge is a serious felony charge.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a general category of offense that involves any type of sexual act done without the consent of the victim. It refers to any type of unwanted sexual contact or touching, ranging from assault and battery to attempted rape. Sexual assault can cause significant trauma and disrupt a victim’s physical and emotional health.

Sexual Battery

Sexual battery encompasses a broader range of situations that involve unlawful touching or contact with another person for a sexual purpose. It is a non-consensual contact with intimate parts of another person’s body including genitals, anus, buttocks, or groin.

What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Utah?

Depending upon the circumstances of a case, a sex crime is either a misdemeanor or a felony. Both misdemeanor and felony sex crimes carry harsh penalties. Utah law does not take these offenses lightly.

On top of the penalties associated with a conviction, you may also suffer from social stigma and hardships in your personal and professional lives. A sex crime conviction can ruin your reputation and your future. A qualified St. George sex crimes lawyer can help you avoid these penalties by fighting for acquittals and reduced sentences.

Individuals who have been convicted of a sex crime could face:

• Lengthy prison sentence
• Hefty fines
• Mandatory sex offender registration

What are the Defenses for Sex Crimes in Utah?

If you are charged with a sex crime, know that you have options. The best defense for an alleged sexual crime will depend on the nature of the crime. A top-ranking St. George sex crime lawyer can investigate your case and develop strong defense strategies that could reduce the charges or even convince the court to dismiss the criminal case.  

A good defense team will consider a range of defense strategies, which may include the following:

• Claiming innocence
• Claiming entrapment
• Claiming consent
• Claiming mental incapacity or insanity

Call our Experienced Utah Sex Crimes Attorneys Now!

Sexual offense accusations are complex and can be difficult to resolve. It requires extensive investigation into the specific facts of your case. Charges for a sexual crime carry serious consequences and can damage a person’s reputation or relationships regardless of whether or not they are convicted. The stigmas can be difficult to disassociate from and can last for years.

If you are charged with a sex crime, you must aggressively defend yourself against zealous prosecution and harsh penalties. Our seasoned St. George sex crimes attorneys at Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions will work to prove your innocence, help you obtain treatment if necessary, and minimize punishments if you are convicted. Our criminal defense law firm can help you determine the best defense to challenge the charges in your case.

To find out how we can help you fight sex crime charges, contact us now and schedule an initial case evaluation.

Our law firm has a skilled pool of legal professionals in Utah that specialize in various practice areas such as family law, bankruptcy, estate planning, business law, and personal injury.  Call our competent attorneys today.