Throughout the entire United States, with Utah included, the issue of sexual crimes is a politically charged one that is prone to extremely aggressive prosecution. Add this to the tendency for false or fabricated allegations, individuals accused of sexual assault or battery have an uphill battle when it comes to defending their name and getting the charges dropped.
With all the negative consequences to your social, professional, and financial livelihood that comes with a sexual crime allegation, hiring a criminal defense attorney is an extremely important step in making certain you are approaching the process in the most effective manner possible.
Salt Lake City Sexual Assault Attorney
If you have been accused of sexual assault or sexual battery in the greater Salt Lake City area, contact Levitt Legal, PLLC to discuss your options. With years or criminal defense experience, along with a strong knowledge of Utah law, Darren Levitt is positioned to provide efficient and aggressive representation that puts you in a favorable light, increasing your chances for a reduction of charges or dismissal.
To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call (801) 455-1743 or send an online message today. Darren proudly represents individual dealing with criminal accusations in and around the Utah counties of Box Elder, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, Morgan, Cache, Weber, Summit, Davis and Wasatch.
Sexual Assault and Sexual Battery under Utah Law
According to Utah Code §76-5-406, sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally touches a non-consenting person’s intimate body parts, or forces a non-consenting person to touch intimate body parts. Some of the situations in which sexual assault may be the result are when:
- The victim expresses a lack of consent through words or conduct
- The actor (offender) overcomes the victim through the actual application of physical force or violence;
- The actor is able to overcome the victim through concealment or by the element of surprise;
- The actor coerces the victim to submit by threatening future violence, and the victim perceives that the actor has the ability to execute this threat;
- The victim has not consented and the actor knows the victim is unconscious, unaware, or physically unable to resist;
- The actor knows that the victim is incapable of appraising or resisting because of mental diseases or defect;
According to Utah Code §76-9-702, A person is guilty of sexual battery if the person intentionally touches, whether or not through clothing, the anus, buttocks, or any part of the genitals of another person, or the breast of a female, and the actor’s understands that his conduct will likely cause affront or alarm to the person touched.
Penalties for Sexual Assault and Sexual Battery in Utah
Sexual Assault, under Utah law, is considered a Felony of the first or second degree, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Second Degree Felony – Up to 15 years in prison and / or fines of up to $10,000.
First Degree Felony – 5 years to Life in prison and / or fines of up to $10,000.
Sexual battery is considered a Class A Misdemeanor which comes with a presumptive sentence of up to one year in jail and / or fines of up to $2,500 (§76-9-702).
There is also the possibility that you will have to register as a Utah Sex Offender if convicted of sexual assault or battery.
Levitt Legal, PLLC || Salt Lake City Sexual Battery Arrest Lawyer
One of the most damaging allegations in our country is sexual assault or battery. This can turn your life upside down and ruin more than just your reputation. Considering that the ramifications or enormous and the odds are immediately stacked against you, working with a qualified Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney is of paramount importance.
Darren Levitt will draw on his vast legal experience and his commitment to client service to develop an effective defense strategy that gives you every opportunity possible to argue your case and reclaim the freedom that you have enjoyed up to this point.
Call (801) 455-1743 to set up your free and confidential consultation with Levitt Legal. Darren proudly represents individuals dealing with criminal allegations in and around the Utah cities of Perry, Honeyville, Murray, Riverton, Grantsville, Rush Valley, American Fork, Springville, Orem, North Logan, Providence, Ogden, Park City, Bountiful, Woods Cross, Midway and Wallsburg.