Sex crime charges specifically with children are complex matters. To cross-examine a child witness requires a special set of skills. A defense attorney must be sensitive to the child and gain his or her trust.
Susanne Gustin’s background in criminal defense has given her the proper skills to handle these tough cases. Her aggressive yet compassionate advocacy will be an asset in court.
Some of the most common sex crimes against children are:
- Aggravated Sexual Abuse
- Rape of a Child
- Sodomy of a Child
- Statutory Rape
Salt Lake City Attorney
If you have been charged with any of the aforementioned offenses, you will need a highly skilled attorney to fight for you in court. Susanne Gustin has the experience with these sensitive cases that is required for a desirable outcome.
Call Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law at 801-243-2814 to set up a consultation to discuss your options. Susanne represents clients in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy, and Taylorsville.
Utah Sex Crimes against Children Defense Information Center
- Sex Crimes against Children Overview
- Utah Penalties for Sex Crimes against Children
- Most Commonly Accused
- Special Exceptions for Close Relationships
- Common Misconceptions
- Sex Crime Against Children Resources in Utah
Sex Crimes Against Children Overview
Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child– Utah code §76-5-404.1 this occurs when a person touches a child in a sexual manner or causes a child to commit indecent acts to him or her with intent to cause substantial emotional or bodily pain, or intent to arouse.
This offense also requires that the actor commits another felony in the process of the assault, or that the actor befriends the child with intent to cause harm.
Rape of a Child- Utah code §76-5-402.1 a person is guilty of raping a child when he or she has sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 14.
Sodomy of a Child- Utah code §76-5-403.1 a person commits sodomy on a child when he or she engages in any sexual act on a child younger than 14 involving genitals or anus of the actor or child and the mouth of either party.
Statutory Rape– Utah code §76-5-401.1 an individual commits statutory rape when he or she knowingly or reasonably should have known that he or she participated in sexual conduct with a minor to whom the actor was senior by seven to ten years at the time of the act.
Utah Penalties for Sex Crimes against Children
Of the aforementioned offenses, the lightest penalty carries a penalty of minimum one year in jail and up to $2,500. Some include lifetime imprisonment or lifetime registry on the sex offender list.
Most Commonly Accused
Sex crimes allegations involving children are often made against individuals in closest proximity to children on a regular basis. Some of these people include teachers, daycare workers, parents and stepparents, coaches, religious figures, and other extended family.
Special Exceptions for Close Relationships
Harsher sentences are applied to sex crimes when the actor has a close relationship or a relationship of “special trust” with the accuser. In the event that this relationship exists, it can upgrade an offense to an aggravated offense such as aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
Common Misconceptions
For some sex crimes against children, there is no actual knowledge element required in order to be convicted. For example, in the event of a statutory rape accusation, an actor is presumed to have known that a minor was underage even if the individual gave a false birth date.
The presumption that an actor should know a minor’s age makes these types of cases more difficult to defend; however, there are still defenses to these accusations.
It is important for an attorney to understand how to present the accuser’s motivations in a way which favors the defendant.
Sex Crimes Against Children Resources in Utah
Prevent Child Abuse Utah– Site for the prevention of child abuse through education, training, and awareness.
Sexual Violence in Utah– Statistics concerning sexual violence in Utah and its psychological impact.
Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law Salt Lake County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
If you are facing charges for child based sex crimes, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side.
Contact Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law at 801-243-2814 for your free consultation. Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law services Salt Lake City, Midvale, Taylor City, Clearfield, Riverton, Layton, and neighboring areas.
