Utah Sex Crimes Overview
Rape is the only violent crime in Utah, with a higher rate than the national average. In contrast, other violent crimes (aggravated assault, robbery, homicide) are much lower than the national average. Overall, Utah has the 11th highest number of cases of sexual assault and rape in the country.
Sex crimes happen everywhere—from small sleepy towns to big bustling cities and in every state in the U.S. If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is imperative that you speak to a knowledgeable West Valley City sex crimes defense attorney from Conyers & Nix.
Perhaps there are extenuating circumstances or facts you can explain that affect the allegation against you. Or maybe you did nothing wrong and are entirely innocent. A sex crime conviction does not end once you have paid the penalties, such as serving your time in jail or prison and paying fines. Many sex crime convictions require you to enroll in the sex registry—for a specific number of years or life. The consequences of your offense may never really be over.
Why Should You Choose a West Valley City Sex Crimes Defense Attorney from Conyers & Nix?
Being charged with a sex crime is extremely serious and can leave you anxious about your future. You need a professional, zealous legal advocate to be by your side from start to finish, offering exceptional representation. The legal team of Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix can provide all those things and much more. We fight for your best interests, even when that fight is full of uphill challenges. We are never judgmental because we believe our clients are innocent until proven guilty.
Instead, we will seek to achieve the best outcome possible by thoroughly examining all evidence and meticulously preparing your case. Any criminal charges are difficult to deal with, but sex crimes are among the most serious. You may have already been deemed guilty in the court of public opinion before your trial even begins. Your reputation can be destroyed before you’ve even had a chance to fight. At Conyers & Nix, we understand all these issues and will help you through these difficult times in the best way possible.
What Sex Crime Cases Can Conyers & Nix Handle?
When you choose Conyers & Nix, you’ve chosen a highly qualified and experienced legal team who will defend you against any charges stemming from a sex crime, including:
- Sexual Battery
- Rape
- Statutory Rape
- Lewdness
- Forcible Sexual Abuse
- Sodomy
- Revenge Porn/Distributing Photos Without Consent
- Voyeurism
- Sexual Abuse of a Child
- Sexual Conduct of a Minor
- Internet Sex Crimes
What Are Considered Sex Crimes in Utah?
Any of the above crimes are considered sex crimes. Sex crimes are offenses that arise when there is a lack of consent by one party to a sexual act, when someone engages in sex with an individual legally incapable of consent (children, mentally disabled, drugged, or drunk), or when violence occurs during a sexual act. Sex crimes not only have harsh criminal penalties but also often require registering on the sexual offender registry—bringing issues of its own, including the inability to secure employment or live where you want to live.
What Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration in Utah?
In Utah, the sex offender registry also includes people convicted of kidnapping. As of 2020, there were 7,809 people on Utah’s registry.
Registered sex offenders may be required to stay on the registry for ten years or life. The offenses that require registration on the sexual offender registry include:
- Aggravated kidnapping, human trafficking, exploitation of prostitution, or sexual assault
- Child kidnapping
- Incest
- Forcible sexual abuse or sodomy
- Enticing a minor
- Custodial sexual relations
- Lewdness (four convictions required for registration)
- Lewdness that involves a child
- Object rape or object rape of a child
- Rape or rape of a child
- Sexual battery (four convictions required for registration)
- Sexual abuse of a minor
- Sexual exploitation of a minor
- Sexual abuse of a child
- Aggravated sexual abuse of a child
- Sodomy of a child
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a 16 or 17-year old
- Voyeurism
Offenders must register twice a year: once during their birth month and again six months later. A registered sex offender may not live near or frequent the following:
- Any public or private playground open to the public
- A public community park
- Licensed daycares or preschools
- Public swimming pools
- Private or public schools
How an Experienced West Valley City Sex Crimes Defense Attorney from Conyers & Nix Can Help
After being charged with a sex crime, you may feel as though you are all alone with nowhere to turn. You may be naturally anxious about your future, terrified that you could go to prison. You are not alone. The Conyers & Nix legal team have extensive experience defending people charged with sex crimes. We will advocate for your legal rights and your future. Contact Conyers & Nix today.