Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City
According to Utah’s Public Health Data Resource, studies in Utah suggest that one in six women and one in 25 men will experience rape or attempted rape during their lifetime. Further, rape is the only violent crime in Utah that is higher than the national average. The higher incidence of sex crimes in Utah and across the U.S. has resulted in extremely harsh penalties for these crimes—penalties that can be lifelong.
If you or a loved one have been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the state of Utah, you must take these charges very seriously—and speak to a Salt Lake City Sexual Exploitation of a Minor attorney as quickly as possible. If convicted of this crime, you could spend many years in prison, pay very high fines, and could be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life.
What is Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Do I Really Need a Salt Lake City Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Attorney?
Under Utah Code Section 76-5b-201, a person commits sexual exploitation of a minor when they do either of the following:
- Intentionally looks at or distributes child pornography
- Intentionally makes or possesses child pornography with the intent to distribute that child pornography to others
When a parent or legal guardian allows or consents to a child being involved in the distribution, possession, or production of child pornography, they may also be charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. A primary element of the offense of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor is that the act or action was knowing or intentional. In other words, if you accidentally clicked a link to a website containing child pornography, then you did not do so knowingly or intentionally.
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor charges require highly experienced, highly focused legal representation. Attorneys Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix offer that level of zealous advocacy and professionalism. Our goal is to provide exceptional legal representation that achieves your goals. We do this through effective advocacy, a comprehensive examination of all the evidence, and meticulous preparation. Sexual offense charges can be particularly challenging, but we are up for the fight and we always treat our clients with respect.
Not only will we help you with your criminal charges, but we will also help you with other aspects of your life that have been impacted by those charges. At Conyers & Nix, we will never plead your case simply because it is easy. If you are likely to be convicted based on the strength of the evidence, we will advocate for sentencing that focuses on rehabilitation rather than retribution.
We will never let overly aggressive, unaccountable law enforcement or prosecutors who over-criminalize, overcharge, or use high bail to frighten you go unchallenged. In the end, when you hire Conyers & Nix, you receive experienced, highly-skilled representation along with no judgment—because no one should be judged based on their worst moment.
What Felony Degree is Sexual Exploitation of a Minor?
You will be charged with a felony offense for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Sexual Exploitation of a Minor is a second-degree felony in the state of Utah. The state of Utah punishes second-degree felonies harshly, with little lenience.
What are Utah’s Penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor?
When you are charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, the penalties you face if convicted will include not only criminal penalties but collateral damage as well. The criminal penalties you face if convicted for this crime include up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and sex offender registry requirements. Your photo will be published on a website that any member of the public can easily lookup. Your photo will appear on the registry, along with such information as your address, where you are employed, and even the type of vehicle you drive.
If you fail to update your information regularly, you could face additional criminal prosecution. As you might imagine, sex crimes, particularly those against children, are stigmatized in our society. Unfortunately, even allegations of a sex crime can destroy a reputation—even if the allegations are later found to be false. Further, a conviction for a sex crime (or any felony) can result in:
- An inability to obtain employment
- Being denied the ability to rent an apartment or home
- An inability to obtain a professional license
- Being denied a federal student loan for college
- The inability to vote or even own a firearm
For all these reasons, it is imperative that you speak to a Conyers & Nix Salt Lake City Sexual Exploitation of a Minor attorney. While your specific defense will depend on the charges against you and the circumstances surrounding those charges, we will leave no stone unturned in mounting a defense on your behalf.
How Can I Defend Myself Against Sexual Exploitation Charges?
Perhaps you are not guilty of the charges against you. Perhaps you made a one-time mistake and are now facing a permanently changed future. Or perhaps you did commit the offense, but there were extenuating circumstances. Whatever your situation, the legal team at Conyers & Nix can help. We can determine whether the individuals depicted in the materials in question are actually minors and whether the images actually show conduct of a sexually explicit nature. We can also determine whether the government properly conducted their search of your computer.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney for My Sexual Exploitation Charges?
Because the impact on your life following a conviction for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor can be long and damaging, hiring an experienced Conyers & Nix attorney is your best course of action. Consider the following ways having a strong attorney in your corner can make a difference:
- Minimizing the damage to your reputation
- Getting your charges reduced or dropped
- Fully preparing you for depositions and testimony
- Explaining what you can expect throughout the process
- Mitigating potential punishments in the event of a conviction
- Helping you insulate yourself against a potential civil lawsuit
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At Conyers & Nix, our legal team will be the strong advocate in your corner that you desperately need. We will inform you of likely resolutions to your charges—best and worst-case scenarios–answering all your questions thoroughly, in an understandable manner. When you choose Conyers & Nix, you will quickly find out that we are non-judgmental, empathetic, and truly believe in you and your ability to make it through the challenges you now face. There will be a time when this experience will be in your past and we will get you there as painlessly as possible. Contact the skilled legal team of Conyers & Nix today.