Forcible Sexual Abuse Defense
There are two forms of sexual abuse in Utah. The first is called Forcible Sexual Abuse and deals with any sexual abuse suffered by someone over the age of 14. The other is Sexual Abuse of a Child and deals with the sexual abuse of anyone under the age of 14.
Any form of unwanted sexual contact short of rape can result in accusations of sexual abuse. Both forms carry mandatory minimum sentences and can result in life imprisonment. Even if you avoid a life sentence, you can still find yourself permanently part of the sex offender registry, along with all of the limitations, possible employment issues and hassle that brings.
If a case can be made for any aggravating circumstances (threats of harm, actual injury, use of a weapon, etc.), the state of Utah will throw the book at you and you can quickly find yourself feeling overwhelmed.
Contact Wasatch Defense Attorneys for a free, sex abuse case review, and learn how we can help today (801) 459-8909.
We know what it takes to turn experience into results. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors think, how to challenge the evidence, and when to negotiate or take your case to trial. Every strategy is built around putting you in the strongest possible position.
But we don’t just know how to win—we have a track record that proves it. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of clients represented, our results speak for themselves.
Proven Results. Relentless Defense.
A History of Successful Defenses
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
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Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
Utah Forcible Sex Abuse Laws
The definition of forcible sexual abuse is any form of “indecent liberty” taken, short of rape, with someone who is 14 or older. Indecent liberties include such things as touching the genitals or buttocks, but are covered generally in Utah’s legal code by focusing on the intent to cause harm or arouse and/or gratify sexual desires without the consent of both parties.
Depending on the court’s judgment of the seriousness of the crime, the charge can range from a second degree felony to a first degree felony. Both carry mandatory jail sentences of at least a year and fines up to $10,000. If the court chooses, a life sentence in prison is very much a possibility.
Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse, in Utah, is forcible sex abuse that happens to anyone under the age of 14. This is a second degree felony, which is one to six years in prison, but the law specifically grants the court permission to worsen the sentence to a life sentence or even life without parole, should the court decide the abuse was a particularly heinous offense.
The list describing the basis for considering abuse as particularly heinous is long and very detailed. This is not the time to count on someone else’s charity, which is why it’s key to hire the proper defense attorney to protect your rights and your life.
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
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Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
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100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
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Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
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Over 650 Trials Handled
our winning strategy
4 Steps to a Positive Outcome
Every case is different. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate the facts, examine the evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys evaluate every available option, from challenging improper procedures and suppressing evidence to negotiating reduced charges or preparing for trial. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of trials, we approach each case strategically and aggressively. Whether pursuing dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable trial outcome, we build a defense focused on protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
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1Laying the GroundworkWe prepare before the fight begins. Decades of experience, deep legal knowledge, and strong relationships with prosecutors and judges give us the foundation to build a smarter, more targeted defense.
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2Discussing The DetailsEvery detail matters. We dig deep into your case, examining reports, records, evidence, and your side of the story to uncover the facts that can shape your defense.
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3Building Your CaseWe challenge what the prosecution thinks it knows. We scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, expose weaknesses, and develop a defense strategy built specifically for your case.
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4Obtaining Positive ResultsWe pursue the outcome that puts you in the strongest position. Whether through aggressive negotiation or a meticulously prepared trial defense, we fight to reduce charges, protect your future, and achieve the best result possible.