Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Defense Lawyers in Salt Lake City, Utah
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Defense You Can Trust in Salt Lake City, Utah
If you have been accused of sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah, you are facing one of the most serious criminal charges under state law. Wasatch Defense Lawyers is a top-rated defense firm based in Salt Lake City, representing clients across Salt Lake County and throughout Utah.
With more than 650 trials handled and more 5-star reviews than any other Utah defense firm, our attorneys are recognized leaders in criminal defense. We know what’s at stake: your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
Call Wasatch Defense Lawyers today at (801) 459-8909 for a free, confidential case review and put one of Utah’s most experienced criminal defense teams on your side.
Under the Utah Sexual Exploitation Act, sexual exploitation of a minor includes:
Knowingly possessing child pornography AKA child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
Intentionally viewing or distributing unlawful images
Producing or helping create child pornography
Allowing your child to be involved in unlawful materials
Proof of Identity: Utah law does not require proof of a specific child’s identity for prosecutors to move forward.
For additional details, see the Utah Criminal Justice Process.
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
Possible Defenses to Sexual Exploitation Charges
Our team explores every legal angle to fight for your freedom. Affirmative defenses can include:
Showing that no minor was actually involved in the materials
Demonstrating lack of intent or solicitation
Proving the defendant was less than two years older than the minor depicted
Showing the materials do not qualify under Utah’s sexual offense statutes
Evidence obtained through unlawful search or seizure
Penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Utah
Possession of child pornography AKA child sexual abuse material (CSAM), is typically charged as a second-degree felony, while distribution or production of exploitative material can be charged as a first-degree felony.
Up to 15 years in prison
Fines up to $10,000
Lifetime registration on the Utah Sex Offender & Kidnap Offender Registry
For context, similar sex crime cases, such as the manufacturing of child pornography, can result in even harsher penalties.
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.