What is Considered Sexual Misconduct in Utah?
Sexual misconduct is an umbrella term that covers a broad range of illicit behaviors, including sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual exploitation, nonconsensual contact, intimate partner violence, stalking, and nonconsensual penetration of a sexual nature. The term sexual misconduct also relates to sex crimes relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and certain types of stalking defined by state or federal laws. In a strictly legal sense, sexual misconduct can also be considered a form of sexual discrimination.
Sexual discrimination is the unequal treatment of another individual based on their gender, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Utah law prohibits discrimination based on qualified protected characteristics such as gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, and gender identity.
Utah laws define custodial sexual misconduct as the acts performed by correctional officers or law enforcement officers that can be considered sexual touching between an offender and a victim under certain circumstances involving victims and correctional supervisors.
Suppose you have been accused of unwanted sexual contact. In that case, this is likely to be considered a sexual misconduct charge in Utah. To defend your rights and your good name, it is recommended that you seek professional legal representation from experienced criminal defense attorneys. Contact our Salt Lake City law firm to discuss your case today.
Have You Been Accused of Unwanted Sexual Contact?
Unwanted sexual contact can be easily considered as an example of sexual misconduct or even sexual assault under Utah law. If you have been accused of unwanted sexual contact in Utah, you must seek professional legal representation from experienced criminal defense lawyers.
Facing sex crime charges in Utah can be a daunting experience, especially if you do not have legal knowledge of the state’s criminal justice system. So, suppose you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime such as unwanted sexual contact. In that case, you must seek the professional legal representation of experienced attorneys who are well-versed in these practice areas.
Our Salt Lake City Law Offices pride themselves on our communication, competency, and decency when it comes to representing clients who are facing allegations of sexual misconduct, including accusations of unwanted sexual contact.
Our criminal defense legal team has an in-depth understanding of state laws and the potential legal repercussions associated with convictions for clients facing sex crimes in Utah. Our legal experience makes us uniquely qualified to represent your sexual misconduct case and help you pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
What Could Be a Winning Defense in Your Sex Crime Case?
If you have been accused of a sex crime, including an instance of unwanted sexual contact, you need the legal representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent your interests. There are several potential criminal defense strategies for those accused of sex crimes in Utah, including those accused of unwanted sexual contact.
Potential criminal defense strategies that may be useful in your sex crime case may include the following:
- Arguing consent is an affirmative defense to most sexual misconduct, including sexual assault allegations in Utah. Under the law, an affirmative defense is essentially an admission that the conduct took place but was not criminal because the other party agreed that it was lawful and welcomed. Most sex crimes require a lack of consent, so convincing evidence that permission was granted could derail any sexual misconduct conviction
- Another potential way to argue against unwanted sexual contact is to claim that the accused acts never occurred in the 1st place. This may require proving that the alleged misconduct occurred at a time when you have an alibi that placed you at an entirely different location
- Experienced sexual assault lawyers can investigate the facts relating to your case to determine whether the accusers were motivated to deny consent or otherwise accuse you of sexual crimes. In cases where the defendants attempt to avoid public embarrassment, the claimants could have a unique cause to bring claims and seek legal action. Our attorneys will try to prove that the claimants were coerced into issuing their accusations, which can be a helpful criminal defense strategy
- Proving that sexual misconduct did not take place may require establishing the dishonesty of the witness or the supposed victim. In many of these criminal cases, it comes down to what he said, she said. It may be necessary to provide hard evidence that the other party is dishonest or lying in their sexual misconduct case
- Those facing sexual misconduct or assault charges must remember that the burden of proof rests on the shoulders of the prosecution. Under this doctrine, those attempting to prove that a criminal offense occurred have a greater burden of proof. After all, those accused of sexual crimes are afforded a certain level of presumption of innocence. Those attempting to prove that you were guilty of a criminal offense must do so by establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
What Should You Do if You’ve Been Falsely Accused of Sexual Misconduct?
If you are accused of sexual misconduct or sexual assault in Utah, there are certain things you should and should not do.
First, avoid discussing criminal cases online, with acquaintances, or distant family members. You should reserve these conversations with your criminal defense attorneys. If there were any other parties related to the sex crime defense, potentially they could be involved in ongoing dialogues, but you should seek the recommendations of your lawyers first.
Even official statements issued with the best intentions can be taken the wrong way, resulting in unforeseen consequences for the defendants. Before speaking to the press, neighbors, or posting on social media, please get in touch with experienced criminal defense attorneys to discuss your case in more detail.
Contact Our Salt Lake City Law Firm to Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Our Criminal Defense Legal Team Today
Our Utah law firm has extensive experience representing clients in complex criminal defense legal matters. We would be proud to represent your interests in proving your innocence in your case of accused sexual misconduct or unwanted sexual contact.
To learn more about the benefits of retaining the legal services of our Salt Lake law firm, please contact our law office to schedule your initial consultation with our criminal defense attorneys today.
You can schedule your Confidential case review by calling our Salt Lake City law office at 385-469-1097.
