Child Abuse and Aggravated Child Abuse in Utah
In Utah, child abuse is a very serious crime with extreme penalties for conviction. Injuries to children are often reported by well-intentioned teachers, neighbors, and healthcare providers, which can cause even the ideal parents to become suspects. In a custody battle, child abuse allegations can be hurled like ammunition. If you have been charged with child abuse in Utah, you need to begin working with the best child abuse lawyer available to you as soon as possible to prevent your reputation and your rights from being permanently damaged.
What is Child Abuse?
In Utah, the law defining child abuse covers a broad scope that includes even accidental injuries. How are felony vs. misdemeanor child abuse charges determined? Depending on the details of the case, charges can range from a Class C misdemeanor up to a Second Degree felony and even to charges of aggravated crimes that cause penalties to be “enhanced” by the court.
Is spanking child abuse? If the effects of spanking a child rise to the level of injury that is defined under one of the definitions of an act of child abuse, then the state child abuse law may apply.
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
Penalties for Child Abuse in Utah
The various levels of child abuse crimes are described below. As you can see, the more extreme the nature of the abuse, the higher the level of the criminal charges. Unless other punishments are specifically required, generally, these are the penalties for the various levels of misdemeanors and felony crimes in Utah:
If a physical injury caused to a child was:
| Intentionally inflicted | Class A misdemeanor | 6 months in jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both |
| Recklessly inflicted | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, a maximum fine of $1,000 or community service |
| By criminal negligence | Class C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days in jail, a maximum fine of $750 or community service |
What is Aggravated Child Abuse?
Under Utah Criminal Code 76-5-109.2, a person commits aggravated child abuse if the perpetrator causes serious physical injury to a child, such as:
- Burns
- Starvation
- Broken bones
- Head injuries from hitting or shaking
- Suffocation
The state law also applies to a person who has custody or is responsible for the care of a child and either causes or allows someone else to seriously physically injure a child in Utah.
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.