Forcible sexual abuse convictions carry serious legal consequences. To avoid harsh penalties, including extended imprisonment and registry as a sex offender, an experienced criminal defense attorney is mandatory.
Though the consequences of forcible sexual abuse convictions are severe, this offense requires the prosecution to show a defendant’s intent. Since this element is subjective, it allows room for interpretation; therefore working in favor of the defense attorney.
For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced defense attorney who knows her way around the law.
Forcible Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, UT
Working as a defense attorney for the Salt Lake City region, Susanne Gustin has represented clients faced with a wide array of charges from forcible sexual abuse, rape, and aggravated sexual assault to domestic violence, theft, and property crime. She is well versed in innovative defense strategies, and can work to fight your charges. Get in contact with her now to get guidance from an experienced sex crime defense attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah.
If you are in the Salt Lake City area and have been faced with these charges, contact Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law at 801-243-2814 for your free consultation. Susanne Gustin can utilize her skills as an forcible sexual abuse attorney to help you avoid the full penalties of the offense. Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law deals in legal affairs for Salt Lake County, and Davis County, including Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Layton, Bountiful, West Jordan, Sandy, and surrounding communities.
Utah Sex Crimes Information Center
- Forcible Sexual Abuse under Utah law
- Penalties for Forcible Sex Abuse
- Defense against Felony Charges
- Required Sex Offender Registry
- Sex Crime Resources in Utah
What is the Definition for Forcible Sexual Abuse?
Forcible sexual abuse is a sexually motivated crime, but unlike sexual battery the intent of the sexual contact is to not just alarm the victim but to emotionally and physically harm them. The offense for the statute can be found under the Utah Code Part 76-5-4. According to the statute, a person is guilty of sexual battery if they:
- Touched the alleged victim’s buttocks, genitals, or anus; and/or
- Touched the skin of a female’s victim’s breast; and/or
- Took indecent liberties with the alleged victim; and/or
- Otherwise take indecent liberties with another
The prosecution can only convict a person of forcible sexual abuse if they have committed any of the above actions:
- Without the alleged victim’s consent; or
- Acted with the intent, knowledge, or recklessness that the victim couldn’t consent; and
- Did so with the intent to:
- Cause substantial emotional or bodily pain to any person; or
- Arouse or gratify the sexual desires of any person; and
- The victim was under the age of 14 at the time of the offense
What’s the Penalty for Forcible Sexual Abuse in Utah?
Since the crime involves physical and emotional harm to the victim, the penalties for forcible sexual abuse in Utah are harsh. No matter the circumstances of the crime, forcible sexual abuse is a classified felony that could result in years in prison. If no aggravating factors were present during the crime, then forcible sexual abuse is a second-degree felony.
The penalty for a second-degree felony for forcible sexual abuse include:
- Imprisonment for no less than 1 year, but no more than 15 years; and
- A possible fine of up to $10,000
However, if the court finds that during the course of the commission of the crime the defendant caused serious bodily injury to another, then the penalties will be enhanced. Instead of facing a second-degree felony the defendant will be charged with a first-degree felony. The minimum and maximum penalties for first-degree forcible sexual abuse include:
- Imprisonment for at least 15 years, but could be enhanced to life; and
- A possible fine of up to $10,000
Defense against Felony Charges
Under some circumstances, the forcible sexual assault may result from a misunderstanding between two parties. An accuser may press charges for unintended contact, thus leading to a false accusation of a sexual offense.
For this reason, it is necessary to find an attorney who can examine all of the details for a specific case.
Required Sex Offender Registry for Forcible Sexual Abuse
All convicted sex and kidnapping offenders are required to register with the Utah’s sex offender registry by providing all the information they may need. Since forcible sexual abuse is a sexually motivated crime that means you will be required to register as a part of your sentencing. You must register at least twice a year—once during your birth month and then again six months after that. If you’re from out-of-state, you must register within 10 days of entering the day regardless of the length of stay.
If you’re convicted of forcible sexual abuse, you’ll be required to register as a sex offender for the duration of your sentence as well as the following 10 years after your sentence has ended. In some cases, the judge may require you to register as a sex offender for life. Every time you change your primary residence, secondary residence, place of employment, vehicle information, or educational information—you’ll have to notify the sex offender registry.
Reputable Forcible Sexual Abuse Resources in Utah
The Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)– U.S. Department of Justice database for sex offender data.
National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)– Resources for victims of crime. Federally funded organization offering justice research worldwide.
Salt Lake City Attorney for Forcible Sexual Abuse in Utah
In Utah, sex crimes are a serious allegation. In the U.S. court system, you are innocent until proven guilty. With Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law, you will receive complete and professional legal representation to fight against these allegations. Set up your first consultation with Salt Lake City sex crimes attorney Susanne Gustin as soon as possible to start building your defense.
Call Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law for your free consultation. Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law accepts clients in Salt Lake County or Davis County including Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, Riverton, Midvale, Clearfield, Layton, and nearby communities.
