Statutory rape charges (unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old) apply in consensual sex cases in which the perpetrator is at least 10 years older than the minor-aged accuser between 16 and 17 years of age.
These rape charges are often difficult for a person to challenge, especially when the accuser has lied about his or her age. You are presumed to know the actual age of the accuser.
However, there are winning strategies in these statutory rape cases, so your attorney must understand how to run a defense that focuses on the motivation of the accuser.
Salt Lake City Attorney
Sex crimes against children can include many offenses, ranging from misdemeanors with minimal sentences to felonies with very harsh punishments. Federal charges usually incur more serious penalties and consequences than state charges.
If you have been charged with a drug offense in Salt Lake City, call Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law at 801-243-2814 for a consultation today, or fill out the online form. It is important to hire an attorney that is knowledgeable about Utah’s criminal laws and experienced in representing those accused of such crimes.
Susanne Gustin will make every effort to help you avoid harsh punishments and severe repercussions for your drug offense in Salt Lake City, Davis County, and neighboring areas.
Utah Statutory Rape Crime Information Center
Statutory Rape Defined
Utah code §76-5-401.1 states a person is guilty of statutory rape when he or she knowingly or reasonably should have known that he or she committed a sexual conduct with a minor to whom the actor was older than by seven to ten years at the time.
Utah Penalties for Statutory Rape
Statutory rape is a class A misdemeanor not subject to sex offender registry on a first offense if the offender was younger than 21 years old at the time of the act.
This offense increases to a third-degree felony if at the time of the act the actor was 18 years or older; held a position of trust; and committed the offense against a victim who was a student at the school where the actor worked or volunteered.
Possible Defenses to Statutory Rape Charges in Utah
Susanne Gustin is no stranger to high-stakes cases involving sexual assault or rape of an accuser under the age of 18. She probes for mental health issues, financial motivations and other reasons the accuser may have for pressing charges.
Oftentimes, it is the parents who are pushing the charges, not the child “victim.” This makes a difference in how the rape case is handled.
Susanne Gustin has earned a reputation for her extensive experience and successful trial defense in cases involving unlawful sexual conduct that often involve the Utah sex offender registry, including:
- Child sex abuse
- Statutory rape and unlawful sex with a minor
- Rape and sexual assault
- Forcible sexual abuse
- Child pornography
- Internet solicitation of a minor, chat room sting operations
- Prostitution and solicitation
Utah Statutory Rape Resources
Utah State Legislature– This state source lists codified Utah law regarding statutory rape and other sex crimes.
RAINN– This national database provides state-by-state information on rape crimes and sex crime information.
Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law Salt Lake County Defense Attorney
An experienced Utah unlawful sex with a minor lawyer can make a difference at this tough time of your life. Contact Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law at 801-243-2814 to arrange a consultation to discuss your charges right away.
From her offices in Salt Lake City, Susanne Gustin represents clients in Salt Lake County, Davis County, and surrounding areas.
