Lewdness Involving a Child
The State of Utah imposes especially harsh punishments for convictions of sex crimes in which the victims are children. So, it is unsurprising that being charged with Lewdness Involving a Child can lead to extreme penalties. Here we’ll discuss what acts constitute this kind of offense and the penalties you can expect if you are convicted of this sex crime in Utah.
If you are charged with Lewdness Involving a Child in Utah, you will need the best criminal defense attorney Utah has available to you. So, you should contact Wasatch Defense Lawyers before you give a statement to the police.
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
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
-
Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
What Constitutes Lewdness Involving a Child?
Lewdness Involving a Child, under Utah Code 76-9-702.5, is defined as intentionally or knowingly committing any of the acts listed below in the presence of a minor child who is younger than 14 years of age:
- Exhibiting an act of sexual intercourse
- Committing an act of sodomy
- Displaying the female breast including the areola
- Displaying genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or anus
The charge(s) for this crime may apply to the act committed whether it occurs in a public or private location. It is a crime if the act is committed under circumstances which the defendant should have known could be expected to cause the victim to be alarmed or affronted.
To qualify as the crime named above, under Utah lewdness law, the act must also meet one or more of the following definitional criteria and must be committed with the intention of arousing or gratifying the perpetrator’s or the child’s sexual desire:
- Masturbating
- Causing a child under age 14 to expose her or his anus, genitals, or breast (if a female)
- Committing any other lewd act
DEFINITION: For purposes of this section of the Utah statutes, “in the presence of” refers to having visual contact with a child by using an electronic device.
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
-
Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
-
100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
-
Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.