Crimes Against Nature Laws in Utah
What is a Crime Against Nature?
Utah lawmakers repealed the State’s “crimes against nature” laws and replaced those with a new set of laws called Offenses Against Public Order and Decency. Prior to 1999, Utah’s laws had applied the State’s definition of crimes against nature to sexual acts between consenting adults. Four years after the state repealed those laws, The Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas in 2003 that it is unconstitutional to ban consensual sex between adults, calling it a violation of the 14th Amendment. Utah laws do, however, continue to criminalize sexual acts involving minors, public sex, incest, prostitution, and bestiality.
If you have been charged with a crime against nature offense, you should obtain the advice of an experienced Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney in order to fully understand your legal rights and obligations in proceeding with your case.
Contact Wasatch Defense Lawyers to Schedule a Free Case Review in Salt Lake City, Utah
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.
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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
Bestiality Laws in Utah
Chapter 9 of the Utah Criminal Code, is the set of laws addressing Offenses Against Public Order and Decency. Part 3 of Chapter 9 is focused on laws against Cruelty to Animals. That section of the law defines bestiality, addresses the kinds of offenses that qualify as acts of bestiality, and identifies the classification of such acts as class B misdemeanors. Chapter 9, Part 3 of the code defines an animal as a living nonhuman vertebrate creature. And, it defines the crime of bestiality as any contact of human and/or animal genitals with the mouth or anus of the other species for purposes of sexual gratification of the person, or use of an object for contact with the animal’s genitals or anus.
Punishments for Crimes Against Public Order and Decency in Utah
A misdemeanor is an offense viewed under the Utah Criminal Code as less serious than a felony, but more serious than an infraction. Violations of various county or city ordinances or state laws are classed as misdemeanors in Utah. Misdemeanors are categorized as three levels of offenses, classes A, B, and C, with class A offenses receiving the most severe extent of punishment.
Bestiality crimes are identified as Class B misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Misdemeanor cases that are judged to involve aggravating factors may result in heavier penalties upon conviction, and those found to have mitigating factors may result in lighter penalties.
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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
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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.